Parade

Tyler White is turning his lifelong passion for country music into reality. The Love on the Spectrum star recently released his debut country song, "Oh Yeah Baby," describing the experience as "a dream come true" in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

White, who became beloved for his warm personality and heartfelt relationship with fiancée Madison Marilla on the heartwarming Netflix series, said music has always been part of his life.

"I always knew I wanted to do something in country music," he told PEOPLE. "I just didn't know what."

The upbeat track, inspired by White's signature phrase "oh yeah, baby," is deeply personal. According to White, much of the song reflects his love for Marilla and their relationship, which viewers have watched develop on television.

"A lot of it is also about Madison and how I feel for her," he shared. "So we put it together."

To bring the song to life, White collaborated with established Nashville songwriters Drew Trosclair, Jeff Garrison, and Lee Thomas Miller, who've worked with the likes of Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins. The team helped shape the heartfelt country single while staying true to White's personality and experiences.

View this post on Instagram

Through the process, White said he learned an important lesson about songwriting: "Write what you feel, let it be you and true 100%." He added that great music should also "connect to other people."

White also opened up about the artists who influenced his sound, especially country legend George Strait. Calling Strait "the GOAT," White praised the country singer's ability to tell stories about "real life and love." He said those emotional, honest themes are exactly what he hopes to capture in his own music moving forward.

For White, authenticity is at the center of everything he wants to create. He told PEOPLE he hopes future songs will focus on family, faith, and love for his nation — and "definitely [his] love for Madison."

Marilla has played a major role in supporting White's musical dreams. According to him, she reacts emotionally every time she hears a new song.

"She starts crying, she starts singing, she starts dancing," White said. "She's 100% supportive."

After all, White and Marilla first bonded on Love on the Spectrum through their shared love of country music, which is something that continues to shape their relationship today. The couple often attends country events together.

Before launching his country music career, White built a name for himself as "DJ TyWy," starting his DJ business in 2017 after teaching himself music by ear and developing a passion for entertaining crowds. According to his site, DJ TyWy, he has since performed at weddings, autism advocacy events, and even the Grand Ole Opry.

Fans of Love on the Spectrum have already rallied behind White's musical debut, celebrating his willingness to pursue a dream that has clearly meant so much to him. Many viewers connected with White on the show because of his sincerity and optimism, qualities that also shine through in his music.

Now that "Oh Yeah Baby" is officially out on streaming platforms, White says this "No. 1 here" is only the beginning. He described the release as "the start of a whole lot of other milestones," signaling that he hopes to continue building a future in country music.

Related: 'You Can't Think of the Negatives': 'Love on the Spectrum' Star Tyler White Opens Up About Autism and Music

When it comes to classic rock, the most enduring songs about heartbreak and lost love never go out of style. Canada’s The Guess Who expertly captured the relatable feeling of unresolved heartbreak in a song that became the band’s breakthrough hit.

Fifty-seven years later, the group’s frontman, Burton Cummings, still hasn’t tired of performing one of classic rock’s most vulnerable songs about lost love. Likewise, fans of all generations continue connecting with the song’s timeless reflection on love.

Cummings recently took to social media with a montage of himself singing the The Guess Who hit "These Eyes" throughout the years. Captioned, “This is the song that started it all for a group from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Still enjoy performing it on stage today,” Cummings’ post is more than a welcome walk down nostalgia lane. It’s also a testament to the song’s universal themes, which still resonate with fans of all generations thanks to social media’s expansive reach.

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

Why "These Eyes" Still Resonates With Fans Today @burtoncummings

This is the song that started it all for a group from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Still enjoy performing it on stage today.

♬ These Eyes - The Guess Who

Fans warmly embraced Cummings’ throwback post, giving nostalgic listeners the opportunity to remember their teen years spent listening to "These Eyes," while also introducing younger generations to the song’s sweeping orchestration, emotional vocals, and vulnerable lyrics. Many fans commented that Cummings possesses one of the most “underrated” voices in rock music.

“The most underrated voice in rock and roll,” one fan wrote.

Another gushed, “Epic vocals all the way through.”

Feeling nostalgic, another shared, “Love this song, has a lot of good memories.”

Others were quick to note Cummings’ youthful appearance.

“I sure wish I aged as well as you have! 🥰 This song fills me with such good memories of a special relationship,” one commenter wrote.

Another got personal, sharing, “This song means so much to me and a past love. He thought of me every time he heard it. 💔♥️ Now I think of him. 🙏🏻”

The Timeless Heartbreak Behind "These Eyes"

The comments section on Cummings’ post highlights the emotional impact a resonant song can have across generations of listeners. At its core, "These Eyes" still connects deeply with classic rock fans because of its emotional honesty, which helped separate it from many harder-edged rock tracks of the late 1960s.

"These Eyes" isn’t an anthem fueled by anger or revenge. Instead, the track focuses on the grief, longing, and emotional devastation that come with heartbreak and unrequited love.

Cummings’ emotional delivery, coupled with the song’s honest lyrics, remains one of the standout elements of "These Eyes." His soulful vocals, paired with the song’s gentle piano and string arrangements, gave the track a timeless quality that has helped it endure for more than five decades.

How Social Media Is Introducing "These Eyes" to New Generations @cbcnews

When your guitarist comes up with a bangin’ piano melody. The Guess Who’s Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman tell The National’s Ian Hanomansing how they put the pieces together for their 1969 hit, These Eyes. After a hard-fought battle to reclaim their band name, the Canadian rock veterans will be performing as The Guess Who for the first time in 23 years in a Canada-wide tour that kicks off in May. Watch the full interview now on CBC News: The National’s YouTube page. #music #rock #rocknroll #Canada #thenational

♬ original sound - CBC News - CBC News

More than 50 years later, themes of lost love continue to resonate with listeners. "These Eyes" serves as a timeless reflection on heartbreak and emotional memory. Social media platforms like TikTok, along with streaming services such as Spotify and their curated “sad song” playlists and classic rock collections, are helping younger generations discover a relatable and enduring song about lost love that never goes out of style.

Even today, Cummings continues connecting with fans of The Guess Who through this endlessly relatable classic.

Related: John Fogerty, 80, Finally Reveals the Surprising Inspiration Behind 'Proud Mary'

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

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

Summer is almost here, which means things are heating up, and we’re all finding ways to cool down. The good news? Walmart currently has the Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner on sale for just $212, a significant drop from its regular price of $399. Designed to cool rooms up to 250 square feet, it’s a smart pick for bedrooms, offices, or small living spaces — and shoppers said it’s “excellent,” “easy to use,” and “a great product.”

This "small but powerful" portable AC offers three impressive functions in one: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan mode, helping keep your space comfortable no matter what the temp is outside. It also comes with a 24-hour timer, two fan speeds, a sleep mode for quieter nights, and adjustable louvers to help direct airflow. You can operate it using the LED touch panel or the included remote.

Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, $212 (was $399) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

Shoppers “love it” and have been very enthusiastic about how well it works. One reviewer raved, “It shoots out very cold air!” Another added, “I may buy another one for our extra room.” A five-star reviewer wrote, “Works very well. I'm very, very happy with it. It's a great product. Easy to use, easy to hook up, no complaints.” 

It's fully portable, so you can conveniently roll it from room to room using the built-in wheels and side handles. Setup is straightforward, and the box includes everything you need: an exhaust hose, adapter, window slider kit, drain hose, remote, and manual. It measures 27.5 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 12.5 inches deep, so it's compact enough to not overwhelm your space.

Related: Walmart’s $150 Chenille Loveseat Is an ‘Adorable’ Home Upgrade Available in 7 Colors

Other notable features include auto-restart, a child lock, auto-defrost, and a water-full indicator. Plus, the removable, washable filters help improve air quality while keeping maintenance simple.

With summer in full swing, this portable unit has become a fast favorite. Many buyers are already going back for a second while it's still marked down. If you’re looking for a reliable way to beat the heat without a complicated install, the Costway 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is a must-have.

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.

When it comes to making small talk on Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings says it's not as easy as it looks.

"That was always the part of the show that I thought was a little bit cringey," he said on a recent episode of NPR's news quiz show, 'Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! "Even as a kid I would sometimes have to leave the room during a boring story."

"It's like Jeopardy! stops for a second and Curb Your Enthusiasm begins," he joked.

View this post on Instagram

However, as he took the helm as host full time in 2023, following the death of Alex Trebek and Jennings' own winning streak of 74 shows, he said he now "actually really" enjoys chatting with contestants.

"I worked very hard on making that a little more engaging," he said.

However, the short, conversations with the show's participants are just about all he's willing to do.

"I've gone my whole life trying to get out of conversations in about 20 seconds, so I was made for this," he added.

Related: Ryan Seacrest Reveals Major Behind-the-Scenes Secret of 'Wheel of Fortune'

Jennings also talked about how notoriously during his long run as a contestant he started making up things to say as he ran out of facts to say about himself.

"I ran out of ideas very early on," he acknowledged. "If you see my fourth game, the anecdotes are getting a little thin — and what I found out is nobody fact checks these."

However, he did note that if a contestant were to share a fictitious story, they shouldn't take it too far.

"You shouldn't say you have a Purple Heart but if you tell us you were a birthday clown we're not going to leak it," he said.

And when asked if he's aware if of any contestants lying on his watch? Jennings said he'd "be the last to know."

"I believe all our contestants implicitly," he added, to the point where he may even believe a wrong answer during the game.

"Luckily we have a table of judges to yell 'No!'" he said.

Jeopardy airs weeknights at 7:30 pm on ABC and is available to stream on multiple platforms.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Starbucks is already expanding its summer menu with a series of new tropical-inspired drinks.

Yes, you read that right. The international coffee giant's core summer menu (which includes the new Tropical Butterfly Refresher and return of the Iced Horchata Shaken Espresso) only dropped last week, and now the company is giving fans a set of "naturally vibrant" beverages to look forward to.

Heading to Starbucks menus later this season are two coconut-flavored beverages, each with a touch of blue spirulina that gives the drinks a bright blue hue.

Starbucks Is Launching 2 New Coconut-Flavored Drinks This Summer

On Monday, May 18—the day before its highly anticipated Miffy merch collab launched—Starbucks teased the arrival of its Blue Coconut drink collection, which includes a signature matcha and a refresher: the Iced Blue Coconut Matcha and Blue Coconut Refresher.

Related: Starbucks Celebrates 10 Years of a Fan-Favorite Drink With a Free Giveaway

Starbucks said its new Iced Blue Coconut Matcha is "tropical and creamy" and blends "sweet mango flavors with toasted coconut cold foam." A touch of blue spirulina lends a "naturally vibrant color that complements the drink’s tropical flavors."

It described its new Blue Coconut Refresher as a "crisp" beverage that combines coconut, strawberry, and açaí flavors with a touch of blue spirulina. It’s the "ultimate pick‑me‑up for summer days on the go." It can be customized with lemonade or coconut milk, as well as customers’ preferred level of caffeine and B vitamins.

Starbucks' new Blue Coconut drink collection joins its summer menu in just a few weeks. When Will Starbucks' New Iced Blue Coconut Matcha and Blue Coconut Refresher Be Available?

Both of Starbucks' new drinks—the Iced Blue Coconut Matcha and Blue Coconut Refresher—will be available for a limited time this summer beginning on Tuesday, June 16 (prices may vary).

Next: Starbucks Launches 5 New Health-Conscious Drink Creations

As a Cleveland Clinic oncologist, Dr. Suneel Kamath, MD, tells Parade that one of the most common things he hears from patients is: "Why did this cancer happen?"

"The truth is, we now understand that a meaningful portion of cancer risk comes from our environment and everyday exposures—not just our genes," Dr. Kamath says. And that includes how we store our food.

Another oncologist echoes these sentiments, but adds that cancer doesn't just happen because of one exposure one time. "I think about cancer risk—outside of hereditary factors—as the result of small, repeated exposures over years, not one dramatic mistake," explains Dr. Tingting Tan, MD, Ph.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope. "How you store food might seem minor, but it can influence how much your body is exposed to chemicals that affect hormones, inflammation and cellular health, all of which can combine with genetics and lifestyle to play a role in a person’s overall cancer risk."

Dr. Kamath agrees, saying that food science has evolved to the point that oncologists and public health officials can finally give patients and consumers like us guidance.

"When you understand how certain materials interact with food—especially with heat, acidity or time—you're not just protecting yourself from a vague future risk," he emphasizes. "You're making an informed choice that gives you more control over health."

When it comes to our health—and especially our cancer risk—control and informed choices are two great goals to have. To help you achieve them, oncologists revealed the one thing they wish people would stop storing in their fridge and what to do instead.

Related: We Asked 3 Oncologists About the Best Breakfast for Cancer Prevention and They All Said the Same Thing

The One Thing Oncologists Wish People Would Stop Storing in Their Fridge

eleonora galli/Getty Images

Oncologists are begging people to stop storing leftover food in plastic containers.

"In general, it is hard to beat the convenience of plastic, including for storing food," says Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, an academic hemoncologist and epidemiologist. "However, the chemical leaching of plastics into the food should give pause."

If you currently have leftovers in a plastic container in your fridge, take a breath.

"Cancer is rarely caused by a single factor," Dr. Kamath says. "It's the interaction of genetics, lifestyle, diet, environment and, yes, chemical exposure over time. Unfortunately, we don't know a well-validated level of exposure that is proven safe or unsafe."

None of the following is meant to scare you. It's about giving you the facts so you can act on information that helps you lower your cancer risk for years to come.

"This is one modifiable risk factor among many," Dr. Kamath stresses. "The empowering truth is this: you cannot change what you've already been exposed to, but you absolutely can change what happens from today forward."

🩺SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self💊

4 Reasons Why Storing Food in Plastic Containers Might Increase Cancer Risk

Oncologists say that storing food in plastic containers can expose you to leached chemicals and microplastics that can contribute to cancer risk. Certain factors, including durability and the heat of the food, can worsen matters. Here's what to know about storing food in plastic and cancer.

1. Plastic food containers might leach harmful chemicals

Dr. Kamath notes that plastic is a chemical structure, and it will physically break down as time goes on.

"Many plastics contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates and styrene," he explains. "Over time, these chemicals can leach into food, water or the environment. Think of a new plastic container as relatively stable, and an old, scratched, heat-stressed one as increasingly porous."

Hold that thought for a minute—oncologists will get into durability and the risks of storing leftovers in plastic below. First, Dr. Khan says it's helpful to understand more about how certain chemicals in plastics can contribute to cancer concerns. He notes that Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in many older polycarbonate plastic containers. BPA is now well known as a hormone disruptor that can act as an unnatural estrogen-like compound (xenoestrogen), increasing the risks for some cancers (including breast cancer), heart disease, fertility issues and more. So, manufacturers have removed it from most cans and containers.

Still, Dr. Khan warns that even BPA or other plastics marketed as "safe," such as those made from polypropylene and polyethylene, can carry risks.

"[These containers] can potentially leach similar substitute chemicals that are not fully understood," Dr. Khan says. "Similarly, all plastic containers have the possibility of releasing microplastics into food, and while research on microplastics and nanoplastics is evolving, it is not felt to be favorable to health, including cancer risk."

2. Some plastics are less durable than others

Given chemical exposure risks from wear and tear, Dr. Kamath says durability is critical to how well a plastic is equipped to store food safely. "Plastics can degrade over time, especially with repeated washing, mechanical stress or heat exposure," he explains. "This creates tiny cracks and weakens the plastic structure, increasing the likelihood that microplastics and chemicals such as BPA and phthalates can leach into food or liquids."

How old are the takeout containers in your kitchen cabinets? Dr. Kamath says that they "weren't engineered to be washed and reused 50 times."

"Everyday wear and tear can lead to physical breakdown of the plastic, such as visible thinning or cracks," he says. "So, durability matters in two directions. The less durable the plastic—think thin takeout containers and single-use deli containers—the faster it degrades and the faster it leaches."

Still, Dr. Kamath warns that even durable containers aren't immune if they're consistently exposed to heat or acidic foods.

A quick eye test can tell you what the wear and tear on your plastic food storage really is. "If the container’s surface is degraded, it may increase the chances that chemicals or microplastics can end up in the food," Dr. Tan says. "From a cancer‑prevention standpoint, that cloudy, warped container isn’t worth keeping around."

Related: Oncologists Are Begging You To Stop Making This Microwave Mistake Immediately

3. Microwaving food in plastic can increase risks

Storing food in plastic containers can contribute to a higher risk of cancer if done repeatedly. But keeping the food in the container and microwaving it can add another layer of risk.

Dr. Kamath explains that microwave ovens can generate electromagnetic waves that transfer energy to water molecules in food, heating it.

"When hot food is in contact with plastic, the breakdown of that plastic accelerates substantially," he says, and suggests being wary of containers labeled "microwave safe," which can still change chemically under heat.

"That label means the plastic won't melt or warp, not that it won't leach," Dr. Kamath says. "Ideally, people should avoid microwaving in plastic containers entirely. Transfer food to a glass bowl or ceramic plate first. It takes 30 seconds and meaningfully reduces one of the most concentrated moments of microplastic exposure in your day."

4. Storing hot food in containers is an 'under-recognized issue'

Perhaps you meal-prepped a chicken dinner and are ready to store it in a container. Or, you want to save what's left of the chili in a plastic container. Avoid putting it right from the stove, where it's still warming, into a plastic container. Dr. Kamath describes storing still-warm food in plastic containers as "an under-recognized issue" that can create ideal conditions for chemical leaching.

"Even if you're not microwaving, placing steaming pasta or soup directly into a plastic container means the plastic is being stressed thermally from the start," he explains. "Let food cool to at least room temperature first before transferring to plastic, or better yet, transfer it to glass right away."

Related: The Popular Cooking Method Oncologists Are Begging People To Limit

What To Do Instead of Storing Food in Plastic

There's no need to panic if you've put your food in plastic containers, nor do you need to toss leftovers in the trash.

"There isn’t a single, proven 'unsafe' exposure level for the average person using typical plastic containers at home," Dr. Tan says. "Cancer prevention is about what you do moving forward, not regretting the past."

She recommends storing your food in glass containers going forward. "They are stable, non-toxic and don’t leach chemicals, even when heated," Dr. Tan says. "Stainless steel is another good option for cold storage, except for highly acidic or salty foods, which can cause corrosion."

Dr. Kamath, who likes ceramic containers, has a quick caveat on glass ones: many still use plastic lids or silicone seals. These materials can degrade over time. "Check the condition of lids regularly and make sure food isn't contacting the lid directly," he recommends.

He adds that some food containers are even made of silicone, which is better than plastic but still not entirely safe. He suggests looking for "high-quality" platinum silicone, noting that this material is "far safer than plastic" (including for cooking utensils).

Of course, these changes aren't free, and Dr. Kamath emphasizes that you don't need to throw out every plastic item in your kitchen tomorrow.

"If you make just two changes—stop microwaving in plastic and replace worn, scratched containers with glass—you've meaningfully reduced your ongoing microplastics exposure," he says. "That's the kind of practical, low-intensity action that can actually change long-term health outcomes."

Up Next:

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Stop Using This Common Cleaning Product

Sources:

• Dr. Tingting Tan, MD, Ph.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope
• Dr. Suneel Kamath, MD, a Cleveland Clinic oncologist
• The Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) Exerts a Wide Range of 
Effects in Carcinogenesis and Response to Therapy. Current Molecular Pharmacology.
• Microplastics as emerging carcinogens: from environmental pollutants to oncogenic drivers. Molecular Cancer.
• Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, an academic hemoncologist and epidemiologist

Amy Schumer is opening up about a medical procedure that seems to have gone wrong.

The actress and comedian, 44, who transitioned from stand-up standout to Comedy Central fame with her beloved series, Inside Amy Schumer, went on to film roles in projects like Trainwreck and I Feel Pretty. But in a recent live podcast appearance, the star made a subtle reference to a botched medical procedure.

“I feel happier than I’ve ever been before,” Schumer told host Amanda Hirsch during a Dear Media by Night event featuring the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, for which she served as the surprise guest. “I actually had, kind of, a botched colonoscopy, so I’m not feeling very sexual.”

While the crowd laughed at the moment, Schumer didn't offer too many further details.

(Instagram/Amy Schumer)

Despite Schumer's jokes, a colonoscopy is an important examination of the inside of your large intestine that's helpful for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. It can also help treat and prevent colon cancer. Healthcare providers recommend routine colonoscopies for middle-aged and older adults to screen for cancer, the Cleveland Clinic shared.

Schumer Showed Off Her Weight Loss This Weekend

In recent years, Schumer has gotten lots of press for her weight loss transformation, including her use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Schumer has previously spoken out on social media about why she decided to lose weight. In a now-deleted Instagram reel, she said she did so to “survive” Cushing syndrome, a condition caused by too much of the hormone cortisol in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“I didn’t lose 30 lbs, I lost 50,” Schumer explained. “Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight.” She went on to say that she’s now able to play tag with her son, Gene.

In a new photo this weekend, Schumer showed off her new look in a flowing blue dress.

View this post on Instagram What Has Amy Schumer Said About Using Weight Loss Medications?

One thing fans can always expect from Schumer is honesty. The actress and comedian has spoken candidly with the press about her health. Back in 2023, she appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and revealed that while she tried using Wegovy several years ago, the side effects were horrific, and she became devastatingly ill as a result. Schumer told Cohen the drug made her “so sick” that she couldn’t even play with her son and had to ditch the medication.

“Like, a year ago, I tried it. I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn’t play with my son. I was so skinny, and he’s throwing a ball at me and [I couldn’t],” she shared.

More recently, Schumer said she’s been having a “really good experience” with a different drug called Mounjaro.

 “My symptoms of being in perimenopause have disappeared. My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy. I want to ‘get down’ more, if you know what I mean,” Schumer shared in a video taken while sitting in her car. “I’m talking about sex.”

Related: Amy Schumer Looks More Svelte Than Ever in Skinny Jeans on the Red Carpet After 50-Pound Weight Loss

The start of a media franchise often happens thanks to major blockbuster hits that lead to TV series adaptations. Despite the fan-favorite acclaim for the 1982 musical drama series Fame, it was originally cancelled after two seasons before being revived and premiering its final episode in 1987.

Before the small screen, Fame was a film directed by Alan Parker, focusing on the lives and hardships of teenagers attending a performing arts school in New York City. It became a box office success, earning multiple Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, with the film leading to wins for Best Original Song for Irene Cara's "Fame." Fame became a culturally significant film and classic in the dance/music genre.

A few years later, the film inspired a series of the same name by NBC, following the exact same storyline with a new cast of actors. It starred actors like Debbie Allen, Albert Hague, Carol Mayo Jenkins, and Geme Anthony Ray as main characters. Fame quickly grew among its already established and newfound fanbase, but its rating said something different.

The musical drama series was up against heavy contenders during its weekly premiere with series hits like Cheers, Taxi, and Hill Street Blues. While critics praised its music, dancing, and realistic portrayal of performing arts students, NBC struggled with its ratings in comparison with other competing hits. The network pulled the plug after two seasons and cancelled Fame in 1983.

Related: This 1992 ‘Seinfeld’ Episode Won an Emmy and Ranked ‘Best TV Episode of All Time’

Thankfully, its popularity overseas and its reruns led to a special arrangement with LBS Communications. MGM revived Fame from cancellation into syndication during the fall of 1983. As a result, Fame continued to air new episodes independently from NBC for four more seasons, with the series officially ending on May 18. 1987.

Fame released a total of 136 episodes during its run, with the final episode titled "Baby, Remember My Name" and directed by Allen, one of the film's original cast members. The episode did well in ratings, with IMDb scoring it a 7.1, and focusing on the main characters developing a video yearbook during alumni week.

The final episode ends with the entire cast signing the TV theme, the original main title track from the 1980 film. As they sing the track, the camera pans out to reveal the sound stage, breaking the fourth wall. Fame has since led to a franchise of album releases, on-stage productions, a TV film, a modern-day remake series, and a 2009 remake.

Before she was an A-list movie actress, hit singer-songwriter, Emmy-winning Password host, author and podcaster, Keke Palmerwas a child star on Nickelodeon.

And despite all the drama that went on behind the scenes at the network, she tells Parade in this week’s exclusive cover story—coming Wednesday, May 20—that she’s open to her three-year-old son, Leo, following in her illustrious footsteps.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

“It wouldn’t scare me off,” says the I Love Boosters star. “I am holding firm on being able to pass down what I’ve learned as a child entertainer. Being somebody that has been able to come out on the other side of it, I feel like I see things clearly, but I still want to be able to share that. So if I could share that with my son, that would be amazing. I don’t believe that we should steer away from things that have a risk. I think we should actually supply people with the tools to understand how to navigate that risk.”

At just 12 years old, Keke Palmer made Robin Williams crack up during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Photo by NBC on Getty Images

Palmer’s comments come two years after the 2024 ID docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side Kids TV revealed shocking allegations of abuse and toxic work environments under then-creator, executive producer and showrunner Dan Schneider. (In a 19-minute YouTube video, Schneider apologized for his “embarrassing” behavior on set but denied sexual misconduct or abusing child actors.)  

Related: Does Keke Palmer Have a Husband? All About ‘The Pickup’ Star’s Romantic Life

Palmer made her mark at the network by playing the titular fashion prodigy in the comedy True Jackson, VP, from 2008-11. She was just 15 when the series started, having already starred in the 2006 heartwarmer Akeelah and the Bee. “It was one of the most incredible, unique and special times in my life,” she says. “I was experiencing so many grand versions of firsts. It was so cool to have my own show. I have always loved multi-camera sitcoms. I really loved working on that show and the vibe of coming to set and rehearsing and then having a big show on Friday.”

Still, she adds, “There was a very difficult reality of what it meant to be a star of your own show, and have that level of a workload. There was so much that came with fame.” (Jennette McCurdy—who had a recurring role on the Nick series—documented her own off-camera struggles in the bestselling 2024 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died.)

Palmer, of course, went on to be a multi-hyphenate performer — she plays the ringleader of a shoplifting crew in the surrealistic comedy I Love Boosters, which hits theaters on Friday, May 22. She says she’s eager to teach her son (with ex Darius Jackson) the lessons she learned along the way.

“I would be very, very clear on what it means to say yes to something and carry it through—whether it’s acting or sports or anything else, he’s going to have to commit himself,” she says. “I had a lot of pressure on me as a kid, and I feel very proud to understand what it meant to start and finish something. I think it made adulthood easier for me in many ways, because I knew how to accomplish goals.”

Related: Next Up:

There's never really a slow season at Costco's bakery, and this year has already brought plenty to get excited about. But some items create an even bigger reaction when they disappear from shelves. And after vanishing last year, one of the warehouse's most talked-about pastries is finally starting to return just in time for Memorial Day weekend brunches, gatherings, and coffee breaks.

You can check it out in this May 17 TikTok from @costcostealsndeals:

@costcostealsndeals

🍪🥐 NEW Costco bakery finds + snack aisle goodness this weekend and WOW… these all look dangerously delicious 😍🛒 The Sweet & Salty Cookies are PACKED with sweet + salty goodness 🍫🥨 and you get 24 cookies for only $10.99!! And those almond filled danish pastries?! 🤤 Any 2 packs for $11.99 and they seriously look bakery-level AMAZING. Also spotted the NEW Firehook Organic Crackers 🫓✨ ✔️ Classic sea salt ✔️ Organic ingredients ✔️ No artificial ingredients ✔️ Huge 17oz box for $12.99 Who’s adding these to their Costco cart this weekend?! 👀🛒 📍Waltham, MA ✨ Follow for the best Costco finds, hidden deals, new arrivals & weekly steals you don’t want to miss! ❤️ #costco #costcostealsndeals #costcofinds #costcobakery #costcodeals @Costco Wholesale @firehookcrackers

♬ original sound - switchdisco Costco's Almond Filled Danish Is Finally Back

The buttery, flaky Almond Filled Danishes come in a 4-pack and are part of Costco's bakery mix-and-match deal, which lets you pair them with another 4-pack for $11.99. That makes it easy to combine flavors for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or slow summer vacation mornings.

The almond version has developed a seriously loyal following over the years thanks to its soft, layered pastry and rich almond filling. Over on Reddit's r/Costco page, shoppers were genuinely disappointed when the pastry disappeared from warehouses.

Related: A Flaky New Bakery Drop at Costco Is Hard To Pass Up

One shopper wrote, "No, no, no, no! I love them! Agh!"

Another added, "The almond Danish was the best thing in the store. I blame myself ... didn't buy it enough to keep it popular."

Someone else commented, "I really hope this post is a sick joke. The almond Danish was my absolute favorite."

And if you want to keep them around longer, they freeze surprisingly well. You can individually wrap the pastries before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they're easy to pull out later for quick breakfasts or coffee breaks.

More Memorial Day Weekend Food Finds at Costco Worth Noting

The Firehook Organic Sea Salt Crackers, priced at $12.99, are made with just five simple ingredients and work especially well on snack boards, alongside dips like buffalo chicken, or for lighter summer lunches with egg or tuna salad.

And the bakery's Sweet and Salty Cookies (24-count for $10.99) continue to stand out as an easy crowd-pleasing dessert option for graduation parties, cookouts, and end-of-year school celebrations.

If you've never tried Costco's Almond Danish before, this return may be worth looking out for. And if you've been waiting for them to come back, the Memorial Day timing couldn't be any better.

Bette Midler is adding another exciting project to her impressive résumé. The Hocus Pocusstar has been cast in Netflix's upcoming animated film, Steps, where she will lend her voice to the Fairy Godmother in a reimagined Cinderella story—a role she says she's "positively thrilled" to take on.

Midler shares, "The beloved Fairy Godmother, the wholesome Fairy Godmother, the one with all the good intentions, has been around for a long, long time. This particular version of the Fairy Godmother has good intentions, but she's a little bit of a bumbler, and she's a little bit of a schemer. I'm thrilled to be with this cast!"

Midler joins Ali Wong (BEEF), Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!), and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once). Seyfried voices Cinderella, while Hsu and Wong play her stepsisters, Lilith and Margot. Netflix encourages fans to reconsider their views of the classic ne'er-do-well stepsisters, as one will ultimately team up with Cinderella to save the kingdom from evil henchmen and biker trolls.

Bette Midler as the Fairy Godmother in Netflix's "Steps"; Cr: Netflix Animation © 2026

"The story is, at its core, about two very different sisters — one who fits perfectly into this fairy tale kingdom and one who doesn't — realizing they're more alike than different," explains Steps director Alyce Tzue.

Midler's latest role comes on the heels of the exciting confirmation of Hocus Pocus 3, in which she'll star alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. Earlier this year, she delighted fans by reuniting with her Beaches co-star Barbara Hershey, and the two appeared together again at the No Kings rally in March.

There's still more to look forward to from Bette Midler, including a starring role in the Jonah Hill dramedy Cut Off and an appearance at the Rise Up, Sing Out concert in New York City this June. Steps is set to premiere on Netflix later this year.

Katie Holmes is notoriously private, which is why fans and followers were shocked to see the Dawson's Creek alum doing an intimate makeup video in her bathrobe.

The beloved actress, 47, rose to stardom as Joey Potter on the WB teen series Dawson’s Creek. She went on to roles in films like Batman Begins and Thank You For Smoking, and became prime paparazzi fodder thanks to her 2006 marriage to Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. While that relationship sold endless tabloids and made Holmes a paparazzi target, even after their 2012 divorce, the devoted mom of Suri now does her best to fly under the radar. That generally means avoiding social media like the plague, but Holmes broke her rules to share an intimate video of her makeup routine. Starting with no makeup on, Holmes described her cosmetics routine as she stood in her bathroom, in front of the mirror. With natural lines and wrinkles like the rest of the world, fans found her particularly relatable.

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Fans Praised Holmes for Aging Gracefully

Looking bare-faced and beautiful, commenters were quick to praise Holmes for aging gracefully.

"I love how Katie is letting herself age gracefully like many of us. We get to see her being her truly beautiful self," one person shared.

"Love her so much for not doing surgery. She looks stunning ❤️," another person shared.

"Our 90s Queen! An icon! Beautiful then and beautiful now. So natural and aging gracefully!" someone else chimed in.

What is Katie Holmes Up to These Days?

Last summer, Holmes reunited with her Dawson’s Creek costar Joshua Jackson for Happy Hours, which she wrote, starred in, and directed. The dramedy, which is a trilogy, was described to Deadline as a “story about two people (Jackson and Holmes) navigating their relationship within the challenges of careers and family responsibilities and the pursuit of love, despite life’s inevitable obstacles. It’s a character-driven dramedy that explores the emotional journey of young loves who reconnect as adults, with the connective thread of shared joys, loss, and hope.”

Related: Katie Holmes, 47, Goes Flapper-Girl Chic in Fringed Dress During Rare Red Carpet Appearance

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

Whether you’re on a plane, in the car, or exploring a new place, staying comfortable while traveling is a must. A matching set that feels like pajamas but looks polished for coffee runs and hotel lounging is ideal for spring travel. Lightweight shorts with a short-sleeved top can keep you cool on warm days, but also layer seamlessly under a hoodie or a jacket if it's chilly out. Right now, Amazon has a lounge set under $15 that checks every box.

On sale for just $11, the Ekouaer Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Matching Set is currently more than half off its usual $23 price. This top-and-shorts combo is soft and stretchy enough to sleep in, but looks stylish and put together for travel days. Pricing varies slightly by color and size, but the most you'll pay is just $11, so you're getting a fantastic deal no matter what. Available in up to 10 colors depending on the size, now is the perfect time to stock up for summer.

Ekouaer Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Matching Set, From $11 (was $23) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This lounge set's fabric is a lightweight, breathable knit blend of 76% polyester, 19% viscose, and 5% spandex. It's got a soft feel, but it's not see-through, with just the right amount of stretch to move with you. Available in sizes small through XX-large, the fit runs true to size but can feel slightly roomy, which makes it great for lounging or layering.

The cap sleeves are shorter than most T-shirts, keeping you cool and comfy while sleeping or while out and about on warm days. A relaxed crew neck and loose fit give the top a flattering look without clinging. The shorts have deep pockets that easily hold your phone or small essentials and a drawstring waist that's adjustable for a custom fit. 

Reviewers said it's "perfect for travel," because "the set makes you look put together, yet you are so comfortable." It’s machine-washable, and reviewers said it holds up in the dryer with no shrinkage or fading.

Ekouaer Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Matching Set, From $10 (was $23) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Hot sleepers, including those dealing with perimenopause or menopause symptoms, said they loved how breathable this set feels at night. Several noted that the elevated look makes it a great option for overnight stays with family and friends when you want to wear something other than your usual mismatched pajamas. 

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

Shoppers were impressed by this "really cute" matching set's versatility. Several noted that the "soft" feel and breathability are great for sleeping, but also shared that it's nice enough to wear out and about. "I wore this to an outdoor family function and received so many compliments," one said.

Comfy, classy, and seriously affordable at just $10, the Ekouaer Short Sleeve Top and Shorts Matching Set is a summer style deal you won't want to miss. Add it to your Amazon cart now to save big ahead of your next trip!

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.

There’s one specific question Kelly Rizzo says she hated being asked after the death of her late husband, Bob Saget.

During the Monday, May 18 episode of Girls Gotta Eat, Rizzo, 46, reflected on the overwhelming number of messages she received after Saget died unexpectedly in January 2022 at age 65. The couple had been together for six years and married for four after first connecting through Instagram in 2015. 

While discussing the grief journal she kept in the weeks after his death, Rizzo admitted there was one phrase that became unexpectedly triggering for her: “How are you?”

“‘How are you’ over text? Let me say that over the phone, fine,” she explained. “But over text because I felt like now I have to write an essay.”

Rizzo said even simple responses became emotionally exhausting while navigating early grief. “I was trying to give thoughtful responses to each person because I'm a people pleaser and I felt like it was homework to get that question in a text,” she said. “I was like, I'm too tired.”

Instead, she found more comfort in people asking specific questions or simply reminding her they were there without expecting a response. “To me, that was so much more helpful,” she shared, using messages like, “‘What did you do today?’” or “‘Was today better? Was today worse?’” as examples.

The Full House star was found dead in his Orlando hotel room on January 9, 2022, after performing a stand-up show the night before. Authorities later determined he died from head trauma, presumably from an accidental fall.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

In the episode, Rizzo also looked back on the message that started their relationship nearly a decade ago. According to her, Saget reached out after spotting her on Instagram, and at the time, she was skeptical. Rizzo said she had never seriously dated someone in entertainment before, and the pair also had a 23-year age gap.

Still, she eventually opened the message. “Hey, Kelly, I would love to invite you to a show and take you out for some burgers and lobsters,” Saget wrote, adding, “if that's not too forward.”

But the sign-off ended up being her favorite part. “He signed his Instagram message, Bob Saget, like all of our dads do,” she joked. “‘Best, Bob Saget.’”

That’s hot! Paris Hilton is known for many things, including her long blonde locks. But the OG influencer and heiress to the Hilton fortune recently strutted down the catwalk in Times Square with a brand-new, bold brunette look, slaying with a dramatic, almost '80s vibe. And fans certainly noticed her new ‘do.

Hilton is pretty much always “sliving” her best life. The mom of two is a reality TV star, fixture on the social scene, and an entrepreneur. Last weekend, Hilton took to the NYC runway, modeling for the GucciCore: Gucci Cruise 2027 collection. 

Sashaying her way through a fashion show alongside other glamazons isn’t exactly breaking news for Paris Hilton. After all, she’s modeled for Versace’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, Mugler’s Spring/Summer 2024 show, and countless other couture design houses. But her recent appearance shocked fans, rocking their expectations for the blonde bombshell.

Instead of Hilton’s beloved fair-haired look, the fashionista rocked a brunette style. 

View this post on Instagram

Hilton posted pics of the runway walk on Instagram, adding the caption, “Gucci Girl forever. It was such a dream to walk the runway for @Demna’s debut @Gucci cruise collection. Demna, you are a true visionary and it was so iconic to take over Times Square with you.” Of course, Hilton is referring to fashion designer and creative director of Gucci, Demna. 

The much-anticipated show in New York’s Times Square brought out the glitterati, with celebs such as Mariah Carey,Shawn Mendes,Lindsay Lohan, Alix Earle, and Kim Kardashian in attendance. 

Paris sparkled on the runway, wearing a long yellow dress paired with black boots and a black fur casually slung over her shoulder. And no one expected Hilton’s daring change of pace from her usual flowing blondness. Fans and friends flocked to Instagram, gushing over the dark hairdo and praising Paris with comments such as “Goddess,” “ You look so beautiful with dark hair!” Omg! Sliving!” and, “This dark hair is a LOOK!” 

This isn’t the first time Hilton has stepped out in a brunette wig. In 2024, cameras caught the superstar wearing a long brunette bob and a bucket hat while shopping with husband Carter Reum. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Paris Hilton attends Gucci Mansion on May 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Gucci)

Why did Hilton swap blonde for brunette for her walk down the runway? At this time, no one really knows. The artistic choice certainly made a statement at the Gucci show. And the model also kept the look going, wearing the brunette style to the Gucci Mansion the same day. But as for if she’s gone to the dark side for good…well, fans will have to wait and see. 

Do you feel young at heart, no matter how old you are? Whether you watched your grandparents celebrate birthdays for nearly a century or you saw loved ones battle illness and other hardships with age, there are a bevy of reasons you might embrace every passing year with gratitude and optimism or worry about your vitality and what the future holds. And of course, it’s absolutely normal if you find yourself vacillating between both! But some people are simply wired to be buoyant and youthful, no matter how many years go by. 

I was recently inspired to share a meme that attributed this to being in love with your everyday life. That’s certainly a factor, but you may also want to look to your birth date for insight into this phenomenon. Informed by both numerological and astrological wisdom, your birth date provides helpful intel on your personality, perspective, and energy, so it’s definitely one way to tell if you’re someone who will always be vibrant, regardless of the age you’re turning this year. 

4 Birth Dates Who Will Always Seem Young at Heart 

Read on to see if your birth date is among the ones associated with being perpetually young at heart.  

Born on the 1st: Your Sunshine Is Your Superpower

If you were born on the 1st of any month, your birthday is associated with the sun, the luminary that oversees purpose, self-image, and confidence in astrology. As a result, you’re self-assured, driven, dynamic, and absolutely luminescent in that you can walk into just about any space and make it shine. This stems from your inner strength, heart, and innate joyfulness, all of which serve to bolster your overall well-being from the inside out. 

Born on the 12th: Adventure and Optimism Make You Vibrant

Because you were born on a date associated with the Great Benefic, Jupiter, the planet of abundance, expansion, philosophy, spiritual growth, and fortune, you’re a glass-half-full kind of person who’s eager to trot the globe and experience everything it—and life—has to offer. People born on the 12th don’t believe in playing small, which goes hand-in-hand with always believing that your next great eye-opening adventure is just around the corner. That said, you will never stop chasing down your wildest dreams and soaking up knowledge—two moves that are sure to keep you youthful for years to come.

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Months That Radiate Divine Love

Born on the 15th: Pleasure Keeps You Lighthearted

If you came into the world and were born on the 15th, you were born on a day that’s associated with the planet Venus, which oversees pleasure, romance, beauty, art, diplomacy, and romance. This means you’re innately creative, relationship-oriented, and devoted to curating experiences that delight and light you up. Because you care so deeply about soaking up the moment and enjoying yourself, you’re fun to be around, and your social life also fuels your vitality, making you someone who will likely be sunny, fun-loving, and beloved by others for a lifetime. 

EXPLORE: The 4 Birth Months Who Are the Emotional Backbone of Their Family

Born on the 27th: Your Perpetual Passion and Drive Is Your Pilot Light

If you were born on the 27th, your soul arrived on earth on a day associated with Mars, the planet of energy, sex, competition, and drive. You’re fiery, impulsive, competitive, action-oriented, and fast-paced, which makes you a trailblazer, a risk-taker, and someone who is deadset on following their impulses, gut, and yes, heart. Because you're such a go-getter, you’ll rarely let anyone or anything prevent you from achieving even your most ambitious aspirations, and anything includes whatever age you happen to be when you’re dreaming up your next big win. 

UP NEXT:

Sonic is giving customers an even cooler way to enjoy its new Refreshers.

Two months ago, the American drive-in chain revealed plans to add three all-new "vibrant" drinks to its menu, boasting "natural energy" and sparkling or flat options. Now, the company is expanding it with a fourth flavor and an all-new frozen format.

On Monday, Sonic introduced its new Frozen Refreshers and what it called a "seasonal standout" flavor, which leads us to believe the newcomer won't be hanging around as long as the three original Refresher flavors.

Sonic Introduces New Refreshers—And Some Are Frozen

Sonic Refreshers are part of its permanent drink menu and offer a "light, feel-good taste of real fruit infused with green tea, creating a refreshing balance of hydration, flavor and natural energy," according to a press release shared with Parade. The amount of caffeine per 20-ounce Sonic Refresher is about 45 milligrams.

Related:Sonic Is Rewarding Loyal Fans With Freebies and Other Perks

The lineup initially debuted in Strawberry Passion Fruit, Mango Peach, and Berry Citrus flavors. However, starting this month, it's introducing its fourth variety: Watermelon Peach, available still, sparkling, or as a Frozen Refresher.

• Berry Citrus Refresher: A juicy blend of wild berry and blueberry fruit with real lemon, hydrating electrolytes and a natural caffeine boost from green tea.
• Mango Peach Refresher: A bright fusion of mango and peach fruit blended with hydrating electrolytes and a natural caffeine boost from green tea.
• Strawberry Passion Fruit Refresher: A delicious mix of passion fruit and strawberry pieces, paired with hydrating electrolytes and a natural caffeine boost from green tea.
• Watermelon Peach Refresher: A bold blend of watermelon and peach purees, paired with a natural caffeine boost from green tea, frozen into an icy Refresher 

Sonic's new Frozen Refreshers

Sonic

All of Sonic's new Frozen Refreshers, along with the new Watermelon Peach Refresher flavor, will be available nationwide for a limited time beginning Monday, May 18. To celebrate the new item, Sonic's Frozen Refreshers will be offered at a special introductory price of $2.99 now through May 31.

Next: Carvel Blends up a New, Improved Recipe for Signature Treat From the ’90s

Derek Hough just celebrated his first birthday as a new dad.

The Dancing with the Stars icon, who turned 41 on Sunday, took to Instagram with beautiful photos of his daughter, Everley, who was born in December.

"The greatest gift, this year and every year is my daughter, Everley," he wrote. "My heart has expanded in ways I never knew, and I’m so full of love."

View this post on Instagram

The carousel of photos also featured a sweet photo of his wife, Hayley Erbert.

"I feel incredibly fortunate for all life’s blessings, doing what I love, with the one I love @hayley.erbert and sharing it with my little growing family," he added. "Being a father is the greatest gift of all."

Erbert, who according to Hough's Instagram Stories also decorated their house to celebrate, also took to her own Instagram with photos of the couple throughout the years.

"My husband. My love. My soulmate. My forever dance partner. My best friend. My baby daddy," she wrote. "Happy Birthday! Life is so much better because you’re in it. I love you forever and always @derekhough."

Related: 'DWTS' Icon Derek Hough Gushes Over Baby Girl: 'She's My Center of My World'

While Hough and Erbert have been navigating life as new parents, they're also ready to head out for his, “Symphony of Dance Encore,” together. This time around though, they'll be traveling as a family of three.

“To now be able to go on tour this summer, to bring her on the road with us, even though she doesn’t know what’s going on yet...I cannot wait to share that," Hough said in an ABC interview in April.

Since welcoming Everly at the end of last year, the DWTS couple has regularly shared adorable photos of the nearly 6-month-old, which include snaps of snuggles or heartfelt moments where Everley's laugh was captured on camera.

"My favorite sound in the whole world," Erbert wrote of the moment.

This month also marked Erbert's first Mother's Day as a new mom, which she also commemorated on Instagram.

"The greatest honor of my life is being your mom," she wrote. "Everley, I love you with everything that I am. Happy Mother’s Day to every woman with a piece of her heart living outside her body."  

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

After seven episodes, The Boys has pushed its final season to the brink, with power, loyalty and survival all hanging in the balance. Homelander (Antony Starr) now stands stronger than ever after taking V1, tightening his grip on a world already bending to his will, while Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) and what’s left of his team scramble for a way to stop him. Along the way, the season has delivered shocking deaths, shifting alliances, and devastating betrayals, culminating in the loss of a core member that has fractured the group at its worst possible moment.

Now, with the series finale ahead, every storyline is on a collision course. From the uncertain fate of Butcher's crew to the question of whether anyone can actually take Homelander down, the stakes have never been higher. One last showdown awaits, and if the season has proven anything, it’s that no one is safe, nothing will go as planned, and the end will come at a cost.

Here are seven burning questions we hope The Boys series finale answers when it streams on Prime Video on May 20.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news& celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

If (when) Homelander dies, who can possibly take him down?

In The Boys comics, Homelander is ultimately killed by Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell), a Homelander clone — a contingency plan designed to eliminate him if he ever became uncontrollable. But the series has already diverged significantly from that storyline, and with both versions of Black Noir dead, a comic-accurate ending feels unlikely.

That leaves a handful of intriguing possibilities. A final showdown between Butcher and Homelander, teased as far back as the Season 5 premiere, remains the most obvious path. But the finale may not be that simple. With Sister Sage (Susan Heyward) aiding in the experiment to amplify Kimiko’s (Karen Fukuhara) abilities, she could emerge as a legitimate threat. If that experiment works, could she strip Homelander of his powers? There’s also Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), whose late-season arrival hints at a larger role to play. Or, fittingly for a series that thrives on chaos, it may take a full-scale team effort to finally bring Homelander down.

Who from The Boys will make it out alive?

Season 5 hasn’t been shy about thinning the ranks, but there are still plenty of major players left on the board — especially within Butcher’s crew. With the series finale looming, it’s hard to imagine everyone making it out intact. If anything, the show has been building toward one last, brutal reckoning. The real question is - who survives it?

Butcher feels like the most likely casualty, but how far will the finale go? Can Kimiko move forward without Frenchie (Tomer Capone)? Will MM (Laz Alonso) make the ultimate sacrifice? Does Hughie’s (Jack Quaid) lack of powers finally catch up to him? And is Annie (Erin Moriarty) strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with Homelander? Or maybe this really was all part of Sister Sage's master plan and she gets exactly what she wants, a life of solitude in a bunker just outside Colorado Springs.

Related: ‘The Boys’ Season 5 Cast Guide: Who’s Who and What You Must Remember Before the Final Battle

Do Hughie and Annie actually get a happy ending?

If they survive — and that’s no guarantee — do Hughie and Annie finally get something resembling a normal life? It would be a rare bit of light for a show that rarely offers it, but there are signs the series could be heading in that direction. This season opened with A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) completing his redemption arc, choosing to save a woman rather than run through her — a direct callback to the pilot, when he killed Hughie’s girlfriend without a second thought.

Bringing that full circle by allowing Hughie to find peace with Annie would feel thematically right. But The Boys has never been a story that hands out easy endings. Even if they make it out alive, the question remains whether the world they’re left with, and everything they’ve been through, will allow for anything close to “happily ever after.”

What role will Soldier Boy play in the endgame?

After being put back on ice by his own son, it’s hard to believe Soldier Boy’s (Jensen Ackles) story ends as a literal popsicle. The show has invested too much in him, and his volatile dynamic with Homelander, for him to stay sidelined in the finale. With the stakes at their highest, he still feels like a wild card waiting to be played.

The question is who pulls that card. Could Back Ashley (Colby Minifie) resurface and release him? Does Sister Sage have one more move up her sleeve? Or does Soldier Boy break free on his own somehow? However it happens, it would be surprising if one of the show’s most quotable characters doesn’t factor into the final showdown in a meaningful way.

Where does Ryan fit in?

Ryan Butcher (Cameron Crovetti) may be the hardest piece left on the board to predict. After taking a beating from his biological father, Homelander, and growing increasingly wary of Butcher, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ryan tries to stay out of the final fight altogether. He’s been pulled in two directions the entire series, and stepping back might feel like the only choice he has left.

But this is The Boys, and Ryan’s story likely won’t end quietly. If Butcher’s arc is heading toward a tragic finish, it’s hard to imagine Ryan not being part of that moment. Whether he ultimately tips the scales, chooses a side or simply serves as the emotional center of the finale, Ryan feels too pivotal to sit on the sidelines when everything comes to a head.

Related: Jack Quaid Reportedly Marries ‘The Boys’ Co-Star Claudia Doumit

Will there still be supes when it’s all over?

If there’s one thing The Boys has consistently shown, it’s that unchecked power eventually corrupts. With the supe-killing virus still in play, it remains one of the few weapons capable of leveling the field against characters who haven’t taken V1. That raises a key question heading into the finale: will it be deployed to quietly remove secondary threats like The Deep (Chace Crawford), Oh Father (Daveed Diggs) or even Vought’s network of psychics?

The bigger question is whether it can be weaponized against someone like Homelander. Could it be modified, perhaps by someone like Sister Sage, to target even the most powerful supe alive? Given how central the virus has been across both The Boys and Gen V, it’s hard to imagine it doesn’t play a critical role before the story ends.

What surprises does Eric Kripke still have planned?

Season 5 has already been packed with curveballs. From A-Train’s dramatic death to Kimiko finally finding her voice, from Back Ashley’s emergence, to the celebrity cameo bloodbath — not to mention Samuel L. Jackson voicing a foul-mouthed hammerhead shark — showrunner Eric Kripke has made it clear he’s going all out. Which raises the obvious question: what’s he still holding back for the finale?

Stormfront (Aya Cash) has been name-checked repeatedly despite her offscreen death, Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott) is alive but in hiding, and the Gen V pipeline has only just begun to factor in with Jordan Li (London Thor) and Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair). Whether that adds up to a full-scale crossover moment or just a few last surprises, it’s hard to imagine a show this chaotic going out quietly. If anything, expect one final swing that’s as big and as unpredictable as anything that’s come before.

Related: Why ‘The Boys’ Final Season Is Already Dominating Streaming Charts

On May 18, 1980, 23-year-old Ian Curtis tragically took his own life. The singer of the English post-punk band Joy Division was found dead by his estranged wife, Deborah, with Iggy Pop's album The Idiot still playing on the record player. The band had recently finished their second album, Closer, and was due to leave for the U.S. the following day, for their first-ever American tour.

Those close to him admitted feeling confused and baffled when they found out that he'd killed himself. Bandmate Bernard Sumner told Tonino Cagnucci in 2015 that he and Curtis had planned to go water skiing on May 18, but he didn't show up. He was devastated when he got the call that Curtis was dead.

"I didn’t understand it," Sumner told MOJO in 2024. "We had no idea he was going to do it – if we had we wouldn’t have let him out of our sight."

Poet, Genius, Myth: Ian Curtis' Final Lyrics Cemented His Legacy as a Rock Icon

Two months after Curtis's death, Closer was released. The album reached No. 6 on the U.K. charts and was hailed by many as a masterpiece. Their haunting song, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," was hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time.

With Curtis gone, the remaining band members, Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, reformed as New Order and released hit songs like "Blue Monday" and "Bizarre Love Triangle." Over the years, Curtis became a mythical figure. As more people really listened to his lyrics, he was hailed as a poetic, musical genius.

Why Music Legends Still Mourn and Celebrate Joy Division's Frontman

No one forgot about Joy Division, and over the years, more musicians cited them as a major influence. The band, along with New Order, will be celebrated at the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where they'll be inducted alongside Phil Collins, Oasis, and others.

“So, I’ve argued for a good 20 years that probably outside of The Beatles, Joy Division is the most influential rock band of the 20th century,” Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan said during a Track Star episode.

The Killers' singer, Brandon Flowers, recalled during a celebration of Ian Curtis that he was introduced to Joy Division after listening to New Order. The band's cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay" remains one of their most popular songs.

"This unparalleled, stark, beautiful, primitive, soulful music," Flowers said. "It had a profound impact on me, just like it did many others.”