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BeforeEric Roberts became one of Hollywood's well-known actors, he was ready to call it quits in his late 20s. The actor reveals that a 1983 film by director Bob Fosse changed his life and career, which led him to a Golden Globes nomination and future hits.

By the late '70s, Roberts' career began with a leading role in the King of Gypsies, which got him his first Golden Globe nomination. Roberts was roughly 22 years old at the time and was on his way to stardom early on, until a car accident had him believe it was over before it began. In 1983, his career went back on track thanks to Fosse's film Star 80, where he played the leading role of Paul Snider, alongsideMariel Hemingway as Dorothy Stratten.

In an episode of the It Happened in Hollywoodpodcast, Roberts reveals he took on the film during a difficult time in his life. He revealed the year before being cast was an "odd, peculiar, hard time," seeing as he was in a car accident that led him to be in a coma for a while. The accident caused "short-term memory loss" and issues with his hand-eye coordination.

“And, so I thought my days as an actor were probably over, if not very much numbered and, was going through the deepest depression I've ever had in my life,” he admitted.

Roberts revealed that the script for Star 80 was given to him by his manager, knowing he was a Fosse fan. At first, Roberts wasn't really interested in the script and only looked at it because of the director. He admitted that his initial read of the script didn't impress him.

“I didn't like it because it seemed too black and white to me,” he confessed. “It seemed too bad guy, good girl, put upon, oppressive. It just seemed too black and white, and it wasn't interesting. Even though it was a true story, it didn't light me up.”

Related: 1961 Classic Track Won an Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’ 64 Years Ago

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Despite not liking the storyline, Roberts auditioned for the role anyway and was given a callback by Fosse. The actor was given the role after a few auditions, and Roberts spent months researching the film to understand Fosse's desire for wanting to make the film.

Roberts finally understood the characters and story, despite having thought it was either "very hard to get to or very cliché if you do get to it." Ultimately, Roberts realized that his on-screen character and Snider were "a dime a dozen" in context to how the film ends in a murder suicide. He called the film "valuable" as "these guys are not unusual."

Star 80 ended up leading Roberts to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Leading Actor, and he would go on in 1985 to star in Runaway Train, which earned him another nomination and Oscar nod. Fosse died two years later in 1987.

Nutella's first new spread flavor in 60 years is officially rolling out to stores, and it probably wouldn't have happened if it weren't for fans.

Okay, maybe that's a bit hyperbolic, but the newcomer—which was teased last year—was inspired by a popular combination and one highly recommended by regular Nutella consumers, so they do deserve a little credit.

Finally heading to retailers nationwide this spring is the new Nutella Peanut spread, its first new flavor since its debut.

Nutella Peanut blends the "unmistakable creaminess" of the classic hazelnut-cocoa spread with roasted peanuts for a flavor that's both nostalgic and new, according to an official description in the April 15 press release. So, if you were worried the brand swapped its iconic hazelnuts for peanuts, you can rest assured that's not the case. It's got the best of both.

Related: Nutella and Kinder Bueno Get ‘Delightful’ New Line You Won’t Find in the Snack Aisle

The company says the new spread is "everything fans hoped it would be," making it well worth the nearly year-long wait. But the timing couldn't be more perfect, as the original Nutella spread just got back from an out-of-this-world mission, going viral for orbiting the earth with the Artemis II crew.

Nutella/Ferrero

"Honestly, when a jar of Nutella goes viral floating in space, you start to feel like anything is possible. So naturally our next move as a brand was dropping our first new flavor innovation in over 60 years," Noah Szporn, senior vice president of spreads at Ferrero North America, joked, adding in a statement: "Nutella Peanut delivers the same creamy experience fans know and love, now blended with the irresistible taste of roasted peanuts. Our fans have been asking for this for years. We heard them, and afternoon snack time will never be the same."

So far, fans on Instagram seem to agree that it's nothing less than "delicious."

"Literally had it last night😋🙌," another added.

"Can’t wait to try it!😍😍," a third cheered.

"🍫 🥜 perfection!!" someone else gushed, while one more declared, "I’ve got to try omg!!"

Nutella Peanut is officially available at major retailers nationwide now, including Aldi, Amazon, Giant, Hy-Vee, Kroger, ShopRite, Stew Leonard's, Stop & Shop, Target, Wegmans and Walmart—just in time for peak DIY Nutella ice pop-making weather and sprucing up all your other favorite Nutella dessert recipes. It will be available in its recognizable 13-ounce jars with a gold, peanut-colored label (prices may vary).

And come the weekend of May 16 and 17, Ferrero said it will be hosting a special Nutella Peanut Pop-Up event in New York City (372 Lafayette Street), which is free to attend and will include Nutella Peanut-themed prizes, personalized keepsakes, and the ultimate reward: free Nutella Peanut sandwiches and snacks!

Next:Nutella Fans, Rejoice: Carvel Churns the Spread Into Ice Cream

When commercial astronaut and payload specialist Kellie Gerardi talks about the future, she isn't just thinking about spaceflight trajectories or scientific milestones. She's thinking about her daughters.

Fresh off the birth of her second daughter, Maxie Quinn, Gerardi is now a mother of two. "Max Q" joins her big sister Delta in a household where curiosity, ambition, and possibility are part of everyday life. And if there's one thing Gerardi is certain about, it's the kind of world—and mindset—she hopes to help shape for her girls.

When Gerardi welcomed "Space Baby" Max Q to the world earlier this month, the birth followed a long and complicated journey with IVF. She spent eight years since the birth of her daughter, Delta, trying to conceive again, but dealing with devastating pregnancy losses.

Max Q came earlier than expected, leaving Gerardi "mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically exhausted to [her] core," she shared in her Instagram announcement. But she feels "forever grateful" that she and her family didn't "hit the brakes too soon" on their IVF journey.

Max Q actually represents "maximum dynamic pressure," which is the point at which a rocket experiences the greatest aerodynamic stress. It represents the balance between increasing speed and decreasing air density—and, as a baby name for an astronaut's daughter, it also represents resilience under pressure and, ultimately, a critical turning point.

Gerardi understands all too well how challenging and isolating the IVF journey can be—not just on the mind and body, but also on the pockets. And that's exactly why she partnered with BabyQuest to offer families in need financial aid through IVF grants. Thanks to the generosity of Babylist, which matched Gerardi's donations, they have been able to offer two grants of $15,000, which will fully fund a cycle of IVF.

These grants offer that "critical turning point" for those who dream of growing their own families. For Gerardi, it's a way of honoring the long-awaited birth of her second daughter.

Now with two daughters at home here on Earth, Gerardi wants to set the record straight: Girls can do anything.

"I think more than anything, I want my daughters to grow up with an even bigger sense of possibility than mine ever was," Gerardi tells Parade. "I want them to embrace this one precious life I was so lucky to give them, and to probe the boundaries of their full potential."

That idea—possibility without limits—has been a throughline in Gerardi's own life. From conducting microgravity research to being the 90th woman in world history to actually fly to space, she's built a career that defies traditional categories. It's exactly why she wants her daughters to see identity as expansive rather than restrictive.

"I want them to know that they don't have to choose one version of themselves," she explains. "They can build a life that reflects all of who they are."

Related: Barbie to Celebrate International Women's Day with New 'Dream Team' Dolls, Including Astronaut Kellie Gerardi

That's exactly what Gerardi has done over the course of her own career. But her work has always been about more than personal achievement. Her mission has been deeply rooted in access—who gets to participate in science, and who gets to imagine themselves there.

"I [am] deeply motivated by the idea of opening up access to space for the next generation of scientists," she says.

That drive shows up not just in her research, but in her visibility. Whether she's conducting experiments or speaking publicly, she's acutely aware of the power of representation—especially now, as a mother.

Her inclusion in Mattel's Barbie Dream Team collection brought that message full circle.

"I grew up loving Barbie because she represented possibility," she says. "She wasn't just one thing… I've always been more of a 'D) all of the above' kind of girl. To now be included as a Barbie Role Model is surreal. And every little girl who sees her is part of a generation that will grow up knowing that astronauts can look like her. That a woman can be a scientist, an adventurer, a mother—and still be the kind of person who becomes a Barbie."

Related: Barbie Dream Fest Confirms Astronaut Kellie Gerardi as a Special Guest

Of course, building the life of your dreams may not always be so simple. Gerardi, who shattered many glass ceilings throughout her career, knows that all too well. But she also knows that "you don't have to shrink yourself to fit someone else's picture of what you're supposed to be."

"Instead, you can force society's picture to expand to include you," she says, and that's exactly what she has strived to exemplify.

Her journey hasn't been linear. She's spoken candidly about setbacks, including the emotional and physical toll of IVF, and the long stretches where progress felt invisible.

"It's the difference of seeing opportunities vs. seeing dead ends," she says, "and it's the engine behind the resilience of powering through decades where it feels like nothing happens, and earning the moments where it feels like decades happen."

That mindset—grounded, persistent, forward-moving—is something she hopes to pass on.

Her concept of "functional hope" captures it best. "I no longer think of hope as something tied to outcomes or guarantees," she explains. "It's simply a decision to stay in motion and to keep taking the next step."

Sometimes, she says, taking that next step doesn't seem so confident or brave. But it's rooted in knowing that you're "not quite finished yet."

Part of what has allowed Gerardi to navigate such a demanding, unconventional path is her ability to balance humility with confidence—a duality that she believes is essential. That contradiction, she says, "made all the difference in the world"—or, in her case, the universe.

When teaching girls about STEM, she often shares the story of Mary Somerville, whose groundbreaking interdisciplinary work in the 1800s led to the coining of the word "scientist"—because "man of science" was no longer sufficient.

It's more than a history lesson; it's a challenge.

"Aim to be the reason someone has to create an entirely new word to describe your work and impact," she says. "And build the communities that will support the next person who needs a new word too."

For her daughters, Delta and Maxie Quinn, that kind of legacy won't just be something they learn about. It will be something they grow up seeing modeled every day.

And if Gerardi has her way, they won't just inherit a world of expanded possibilities. They'll help define what comes next.

While owning a home may be a dream for many people just starting out, plenty of folks want to move away from the responsibilities of homeownership once they retire. That can mean everything from moving into a senior living community, to renting a home or apartment somewhere after you downsize.

However, a new WalletHub report ranked the country's best and worst cities for renters, placing America's top retirement destination near the top of the most expensive cities list. Will that be enough to change your retirement plans? Keep reading to learn more about what the report says and what that means for you.

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While Disney may be the happiest place on Earth, renters in Orlando likely aren't feeling the joy when they make their monthly rent payment. That's because WalletHub recently named the city among the most expensive places to rent.

Here, people can expect to spend about 28.98 percent of their income on rent, leaving cash-strapped seniors really feeling the pinch. The city ranked 175th out of 182, with some other popular retirement spots making the list, including:

• Glendale, California at 29.62 percent
• Bridgeport, Connecticut at 29.65 percent
• Jackson, Mississippi at 30.09 percent
• New Haven, Connecticut at 31.41 percent
• Newark, New Jersey at 32.09 percent
• Detroit, Michigan at 32.27 percent
• Miami, Florida at 33.77 percent

Related: These Are the 3 Worst-Ranked Florida Cities to Retire In

Of course, it is worth noting that while rent may be high here, taxes are low, and retirees won't have to shell out extra money each year when it comes time to file their taxes thanks to the state's lack of income taxes.

Additionally, renters have far less overhead for maintenance and repairs, which can make renting a more affordable option... even if it seems more expensive at first glance. And when we're talking about Florida, that also means dealing with homeowners' insurance, which can be pretty pricey, since many regions require flood and hurricane coverage.

On the flip side of the coin, WalletHub does note that there are a lot of places where you can snag a deal on rent, including Bismarck, North Dakota, where rent only accounts for around 15.29 percent of a person's income.

But, before you pack your bags (and your snow shoes) and head to North Dakota, it's worth noting that lower rent doesn't necessarily mean a better quality of life. That's because the Honest Local blog says that winters can be isolating here, and those seniors who can't drive or with mobility issues may find themselves stuck inside until the weather clears.

Related: This State Was Just Named the Worst Place To Retire in the U.S.

Additionally, it can be quite isolating here, and many people may find themselves needing to travel far distances to find things like friendships, healthcare, and even groceries.

Of course, the state does have a lot of natural beauty and wonder to offer, so if you're someone who doesn't mind a little solitude, North Dakota could make for an affordable retirement destination with a low cost of living and low monthly rent payments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

The Halo Effect has some exciting news.

The Swedish metal supergroup announced via Instagram on Wednesday that they will be going on tour across Europe from February to March 2027, alongside Lacuna Coil and Omnium Gatherum.

"Halos, get ready for something big!" the supergroup wrote in their Instagram caption. "In 2027, we head out on our second headliner tour in Europe with @lacunacoilofficial and @omniumgatherumofficial 🤘💚."

The Halo Effect European Tour 2027 will open on Feb. 19 in Hamburg, Germany, then conclude almost a month later in Tampere, Finland. The metal groups will also be stopping in different cities in various countries such as Denmark, Spain, the Czech Republic, Poland and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. CET.

Established in 2019 by the former members of In Flames — Jesper Strömblad, Mikael Stanne, Niclas Engelin, Peter Iwers and Daniel Svensson — The Halo Effect was created to return to the 1990s "Gothenburg sound" that pioneered the melodic death metal genre. They released their debut single "Shadowminds" in 2021, then their first album, Days of the Lost, a year later.

"What I loved about the first album with The Halo Effect was that it was just new,” said singer Stanne. "We didn’t know what we wanted to do. It was just for fun, to amuse ourselves and each other."

Last year, the group released an EP, We Are The Shadows, and their sophomore album, March of the Unheard.

Mariano Regidor/Getty Images

In addition, the Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil will be co-headlining the series of shows alongside The Halo Effect. Since their formation in 1994, the band has changed their name twice, released 10 studio albums, two EPs, two live albums, two compilation albums and one video album. In addition, they have won multiple awards at the MTV Awards, Metal Female Voices Fest, Metal Hammer Award for the Best International Band and more, as well as peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 for their sixth studio album, Dark Adrenaline.

"Hell yeah, this tour’s going to be mean!🤘🏻🔥," the official Lacuna Coil Instagram account commented, minutes after The Halo Effect announced the tour.

Lastly, Finnish band Omnium Gatherum will serve as the tour's opening act. The group, which consists of Markus Vanhala, Aapo Koivisto, Jukka Pelkonen, Mikko Kivistö, Atte Pesonen and Joonas "Jope" Koto, formed in 1996 and is also signed with Nuclear Blast, the same record label as The Halo Effect.

Tickets can be found on The Halo Effect's official website, and will go on sale this Friday at 4 a.m ET.

Related: 2020s Heavy Metal Band Announces 2026 Tour With Special Guests

Homeowners are increasingly moving away from flat, mass-produced art toward multidimensional materials that add depth and history to a space. The goal is to create a curated gallery vibe within the home—a sanctuary that feels both high-end and deeply personal. Achieving this look doesn't require a total room overhaul; rather, it lies in strategically placing statement pieces that offer tactile interest and a diverse color palette to anchor a living area or entryway.

The secret to a sophisticated, modern space often lies in the contrast between industrial elements and artisanal craftsmanship. A well-placed reflective surface is one of the most effective ways to manipulate light and the perceived size of a room, especially when the frame itself serves as a piece of sculptural art.

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By integrating elements like hand-painted metal and patchwork patterns, decorators can soften the hard lines of contemporary furniture while adding a much-needed layer of warmth and visual intrigue.

World Market

The Kavana Hand-Painted Metal Patchwork Wall Mirror is a masterful execution of this artistic, modern aesthetic. Priced at $179.99, this piece is a World Market exclusive, ensuring your home decor feels unique and carefully sourced. It is meticulously crafted of mirrored glass and metal, featuring a stunning hand-painted finish that incorporates a variety of geometric shapes and rich tones. Because each piece is finished by hand, slight variations may occur, giving every mirror a one-of-a-kind character that celebrates the beauty of artisanal imperfection.

Related: Target Shoppers Say This Must-Have Outdoor Essential Is the 'Ultimate Cloud' for Your Cozy Space

Functionality meets high-end design in this expansive wall piece. Beyond its striking visual appeal, the mirror is designed for ease of use and comes ready to hang, instantly transforming your hallway, bedroom or lounge. The patchwork metal frame serves as a bold border that draws the eye, while the central glass helps bounce light throughout the room, creating a brighter, more open atmosphere. At $179.99, it represents a high-value investment in your home's smart styling and overall ambiance.

Whether you are staging a professional office or refreshing your own personal primary suite, the Kavana Patchwork Mirror provides the structural interest and color story needed to make any wall look professionally styled. Its blend of industrial metal and vibrant hand-applied paint makes it a versatile must-have for the current season.

Related: Sam's Club Shoppers Say This 'Sturdy' Organization Item Is So Great, They're Buying Double

What if you were given the opportunity to have three wishes granted? That’s what happens to Sundae Valentine, and she eagerly takes it. The problem is that the wishes have a price, and she’s not ready to pay it.

New from Disney’s Hyperion publishing house from Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch’s Codie Crowley comes Body Count. Sundae wants to be able to live her life, but that’s going to be short if the monster from the bottom of the motel pool has anything to do with it.

Sure, the monster has given her three wishes, but they come with the price of her life. Once she makes that third wish, she has to pay up, but she’s not ready for that. So, what if she doesn’t make that third wish? If only she can get away with that!

Body Count is perfect for fans of stories that go bump in the night. Whether it’s Supernatural, The Midnight Club, or something else that’s supernaturally wired, you’ll want to pick up the latest novel. It’s written perfectly for teens who are ready to jump into the world of horror, but it’s also a lot of fun for adults with nostalgia for the genre.

Not sure if this is one for you? We have an exclusive excerpt form Body Count that gives you a great look into Crowley’s writing style and the story to come. It all starts with a trip to the motel swimming pool, where one rule stands out for a strange reason.

“DO NOT OPEN YOUR EYES UNDERWATER.”

Why would such a rule be there? Sure, you really shouldn’t open your eyes under the water thanks to the chlorine and other chemicals in there, but Sundae knows at the back of her mind that it’s there for something more poignant. Of course, like any teenager, she’s going to learn her lessons the hard way — and wouldn’t we all be the same?

Take a look at the full excerpt once she does decide not to follow the rules:

“Maybe that rule really was there for no reason. Maybe the worst that would happen if you opened your eyes inside the pool at the Coral Cove Motel was a case of Conjunctivitis.

But as the breath held in her chest began to thin, she heard some- thing else in the muted murmur of splishes and glugs.

Something like . . . a growl.

And she realized: Ever since she’d opened her eyes, she’d just been suspended there, staring out at the length of pool ahead of her.

She never turned around to see what might be behind her.

Sundae kicked her legs and twisted in the water. At this end of the pool, the courtyard lights were just a distant glimmer. Sky blue faded to darkest night. And as she floated there, lungs burning, she saw something in the shadowy deep.

It was his eyes that she noticed first. The way they shone like two silver coins, glinting in the murky dark. Shrouded by shadow, he crouched perfectly still in the corner of the deep end, like a spider in an eave. Between the ripples of water, she could make out his shape. The suit he wore, brown as tree bark. A crown of holly on his head, berries red as rubies.

And his mouth, when he smiled, full of pointed black teeth.

Everything that came after was a blur. Sundae screamed. She swallowed a bunch of pool water. She smashed her knee on the concrete pavers climbing out of the pool. She ran so fast across the court- yard and up the pink steel stairs that her feet hardly touched the ground, and when she made it back to room 257, she leapt into bed and yanked the musty comforter over her head.

She woke up the next morning to a damp chlorine-scented bed, the sheets streaked with bloodstains from her busted knee. Mom didn’t notice as she sleepwalked out the door in her pink Cabana miniskirt, and Sundae swiped fresh sheets off a housekeeping cart so she’d never find out.

For the next few nights, Sundae avoided the courtyard after dark, and whenever she passed the pool gate with its hand-painted sign— DO NOT OPEN YOUR EYES UNDERWATER—his sawtooth smile flashed inside her mind.

And, even during the day, when the sunlight would shine through the water like sea glass, Sundae refused to swim in the pool.

Instead, Sundae sat in the shady motel room, watching TV and filling in the pages of the marine-life coloring book her mom got her on the boardwalk, giving all the fish multicolored scales and glittery fins with her big box of crayons.

But after a few days of this, Sundae had colored every page of her book, and her mom had started to notice something was wrong.

Again and again, she asked Sundae why she wasn’t leaving the room, but no matter how many times her mom questioned her, Sundae didn’t tell her the truth. It wasn’t because she thought her mom wouldn’t believe her; it was because she didn’t want to be the reason they had to run again.

So, when her mom forced her to come to work with her instead of sitting in the room all day again, Sundae saw the man from the pool for a second time.

She didn’t notice him at first. Her mom sat her at the bar, and Sundae perched on the edge of the pink vinyl stool, smacking her flip-flop on its bamboo leg while she stared out at the pool through the window. She only turned around to face the bar when her mom brought her a plate of French toast and an icy strawberry milkshake.

She opened her mouth to say thanks, but her jaw dropped open instead.

There, over her mom’s shoulder, was the man from the pool.”

Now tell me that doesn’t pique your interest! It certainly did mine upon the first read!

The more I read it, this is perfect for those who grew up loving Are You Afraid of the Dark? I could just see it being one of those stories being told around the campfire, capturing all of the fun we had with the storytelling, scaring us at the end of each night.

Body Count will be published on May 5, 2026, but you can get your hands on preorders right now. The front cover is a lot of fun, making it extremely clear that there will be blood — but of course, in the supernaturally fun way!

Fans are remembering Elizabeth Montgomery 31 years after her death. On April 15, the actress, who was best known for her role as suburban housewife/witch Samantha Stephens on the classic TV sitcomBewitched from 1964 to 1972, was honored with fan remembrances on what would have been her 93rdbirthday. Montgomery died in 1995.

“Today we remember the magical Elizabeth Montgomery on her heavenly birthday,” came a nostalgic post on Facebook.

“Happy Heavenly Birthday,” another fan added. “I loved her on Bewitched. I tried to twitch my nose like her!”

“She earned 5 Emmy nominations, 4 Golden Globe nominations, was a trailblazing activist, and left us Bewitched. Remembering Elizabeth Montgomery on her birthday," another wrote on X.

“Elizabeth Montgomery was an icon of television and magic,” a fourth fan wrote. “Her portrayal of Samantha Stephens on Bewitched continues to captivate audiences with its wit and charm, a true testament to her talent and legacy.”

RELATED: Erin Murphy Poses Like Her ‘Bewitched’ Mom and the Resemblance Is Wild

Erin Murphy played Tabitha Stephens, the daughter of Montgomery’s bewitching character, from 1966 to 1972 on the classic TV sitcom. She joined the cast of the series two years in, alongside her twin sister, Diane, when they were toddlers.

Murphy once said that Montgomery was like a second mom to her when they worked together on Bewitched. Speaking with Closer Weekly in 2025, she recalled, “Elizabeth Montgomery was very maternal. She’d even scold me like a parent. If I was being silly, she’d call me ‘Erin Margaret,’ just like my mom would.”

Murphy paid tribute to Montgomery’s birthdate in the past. In 2023, she posted a sweet Instagram throwback from one of her first seasons on the show. In the photo, Montgomery is holding Murphy in her arms.

“Today would have been Elizabeth Montgomery’s 90th birthday,” Murphy captioned the post. “Happy Birthday, ‘Mantha Mommy’!

In a December 2025 interview on Celebrity Drop, Murphy said her TV mom’s death was difficult to process. "I didn’t know how sick she was,” Murphy said of her late co-star. “I’d heard about it through her son that she wasn’t feeling well. She’d been working on a film and just wasn’t feeling well."

“She was much too young,” Murphy added of Montgomery’s death. “I’m going to be 62 next year, so the thought of that is just crazy.”

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With so many incredible hits released since 2000, it seems nearly impossible to narrow down the best songs from the 21st century.

However, in 2025, Rolling Stone did just that and released a definitive ranking of the best 250 songs from the 21st century. The list featured classics like "Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl" by Broken Social Scene, OutKast's "Hey Ya!," Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black," "All My Friends" by LCD Soundsystem, "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, and "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé feat. Jay Z.

Rolling Stone ranked Missy Elliott's 2001 hit, "Get Ur Freak On," as the number one greatest song of the 21st century. The song was the fifth track off of Missy Elliott's 2001 record, Miss E... So Addictive, which was her third studio album.

While "Get Ur Freak On" became a massive success, Missy Elliott revealed that the song nearly didn't make the album in a 2016 interview on The Strombo Show. According to the rapper, she told the album's producer Timbaland that she felt Miss E... So Addictive needed one more song after it was completed.

"The story that I have behind that is the record was actually finished. I kept telling Tim that I felt like I needed one more song. He was like, 'You're crazy. This album is solid and hot.' And I was like, 'No, I need one more [song].' And we went back and forth for so long," recalled Missy Elliott.

She said that she and Timbaland ended up making "a skeleton of the track" that turned into "Get Ur Freak On."

"He was in the studio. And he just hit the keyboard, and that sound came up. And I was like 'That's it! That's it!' He was like, 'What are you talking about?'" recalled Missy Elliott.

She also said that while she was immediately impressed with the finished recording, she wasn't sure if the song would be a hit.

"This sounded like some next-level type stuff. It felt like that but we still didn't know because at the time nothing sounded like it. So, you know, it's kind of you know but you don't know because it could go over people's heads but thank God that it's registered with the people," said Missy Elliott, now 54.

Are you dreaming of a change of scenery when you retire? Well, you may want to head to one U.S. town that was just named the last place where the American dream is still possible. Not just because it has a lot of things to make your move worthwhile (including a low cost of living), but because they are willing to slip you a few thousand dollars to welcome you to town.

That could be a huge boon for retirees on a fixed income who need a little extra cash once they stop punching the clock. Here's what we know about the offer.

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"This is a city where the American Dream is still possible”: Bob Ross is one of the leaders behind "Choose Topeka," a program offering people a relocation incentive of up to $15,000 to move to the Kansas capital. He says participants in the program have come from 37 states. Read more at the link in our bio. #topeka #kansas #americandream

For so long, many of us have chased the American dream. And while that dream really is different for everyone (I just want a second bathroom and to be able to take my kids on vacation every year), there appears to be one place left in the country where you can make it happen.

According to Bob Ross, the head of the Choose Topeka campaign, Topeka, Kansas is where it's at. He appeared on CBSSunday Morning to talk about all the city has to offer, including affordability. According to the website, the cost of living is 10 percent lower here than it is in the rest of the country, with the average single family home setting you back just $125,000.

Related: These Are the 3 Worst-Ranked Florida Cities to Retire In

That's really good news for retirees who may be looking to relocate as they start the next chapter of their lives. And while many of them opt to head to Florida because of its warmer weather and more favorable tax laws, Topeka looks like it has a lot going for it as well, according to the Islands blog, including:

• A number of luxury retirement communities
• Facilities like McCrite Plaza, which offer both independent and assisted living facilities
• Lower lifetime healthcare costs
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the nearby University of Kansas in Lawrence (about 30 minutes outside of Kansas), where curious seniors can continue their education

While all of this sounds really good to me, one of the bigger draws for retirees has to be the fact that the Choose Topeka campaign is offering to pay people to relocate to the city. As for how much you can make by changing your zip code? Well, it looks like they are willing to offer people up to $15,000 to move to town.

Related: Most Retirees Will Face a $345K Expense They've Likely Never Even Considered

For those who are retired or nearing retirement, that amount of money could make a huge difference, especially for those already on a fixed income who are wondering how they will make ends meet. Plus, when you combine that large up-front offer with the lower cost of living in town, you could be looking at a much more affordable and laid-back retirement experience.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Actress Elle Fanning first hit the big screen back in 2001, co-starring at age two as the younger version of big sis Dakota Fanning with icon Sean Penn in I Am Sam. Fast-forward over 20 years, and the younger Fanning has made quite a career for herself. With a filmography that includes the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, Disney’s Maleficent, and the Golden Globe Award winner Babel, the actress has come a long way. 

Fanning’s latest role is the title character in Apple TV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Starring alongside Hollywood royalty like Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman, Fanning plays a single, cash-strapped mother who, in order to solve her ‘money troubles,’ turns to OnlyFans as a source of income.

The actress celebrated the show’s “birth day” with an Instagram post featuring a pregnant selfie. Looking much like any second- or third-trimester mommy-to-be, Fanning is pictured with disheveled hair, no makeup, and an open robe. Of course, Fanning wasn’t actually pregnant during the filming of the series. Instead, she wore a prosthetic (and very lifelike) bump. And as it turns out, the belly looked real enough to temporarily trick some fans and friends into thinking the actress was making a different sort of announcement. 

Saltburn actor Archie Madekwe commented on the post, writing, “Woah the way I thought I’d missed you being pregnant,” and one fan added, “I was about to say when did this happen.” Another commenter wrote, “I was so confused for a second. I was like…she hid that well.” 

Obviously, there was nothing to hide. While the pic threw some people off, the caption clearly gave it away. Along with a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos from the making of the series, Fanning wrote, “I hope you fall in love with Margo as much as I did while playing her. Filming this season with our magical cast and crew was a joyous experience wrapped up in laughter, whimsy, and baby poo.” Well said!

If you’re wondering whether starring as pregnant/new mom Margo has made Fanning want to start a family, the actress told Elle UK in a new interview, “I’ve always just wanted that, the baby-fever (on the set of Margo) was nuts.” But that doesn’t mean she has any plans to give up her career. The actress opened up about her future, adding, “I’d love to still be creative, to work with amazing directors and to be surprised by my own projects.”

The older you get, the more important it is to look after your heart. Scientific research shows that aging is a primary, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While you can’t stop the clock, there is a lot you can do to lower your risk through how you live. One particularly powerful way is to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

“Cholesterol levels reflect how your body is handling fats and inflammation over time, which directly impacts your risk of heart disease. When it’s off balance, it can damage blood vessels and impact overall health for years before symptoms show up,” says Dr. Abid Husain, MD, FACC, an integrative cardiologist and functional medicine doctor at the Boulder Longevity Institute. 

Related: Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Ignoring This Important Cholesterol Number

As Dr. Husain explains, high cholesterol can damage blood vessels over time before you even realize it. This is why it’s important to know your cholesterol numbers. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get their cholesterol checked every five years. If your LDL cholesterol is too high, your doctor may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication. 

Something everyone can benefit from is supporting their cholesterol through diet. You may already know the basics of eating for healthy cholesterol, such as avoiding fatty meats, fried foods and soda, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. But where do carbohydrates factor in? 

It’s important to know that not all carbohydrate-based foods impact cholesterol the same way. Some foods high in carbs negatively impact it. But there’s one carbohydrate-rich food that cardiologists we talked to say supports both healthy cholesterol and heart health overall.

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When talking about carbohydrates and cholesterol, it’s important to know the difference between simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are foods that are broken down quickly for energy, while complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly and help provide sustained energy. You may have also heard of refined carbohydrates, which are processed foods that have been stripped of fiber and nutrients.

“Not all carbohydrates affect the body the same way,” explains Dr. John Conte, MD, a cardiac surgeon and the medical director of cardiothoracic at XVIVO, a medical technology company specializing in organ transplants. Dr. Conte explains that refined carbs such as sugary drinks, white bread and highly processed snacks are quickly absorbed and can shift the body’s metabolism. “This ultimately raises bad cholesterol while lowering good cholesterol,” he says.

Related: Yes, Carbs Can Be Healthy! Here Are 16 of the Best Ones To Add to Your Plate, According to Nutritionists

Dr. Conte adds that excess sugar and refined carbs can also be converted into fat in the body. In excess, this can lead to weight gain, which is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. “That’s why limiting highly processed carbohydrates is an important part of managing cholesterol and overall heart health,” he tells Parade.

Dr. Husain explains that a diet that’s high in simple carbs can increase the risk of diabetes and plaque buildup in the arteries. But both cardiologists say that this is not the case with complex carbohydrates. “Complex carbohydrates tend to have the opposite effect, largely because of their fiber content,” Dr. Conte shares. 

Dr. Conte explains that foods like whole grains, beans and vegetables contain soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract and helps remove it from the body before it’s absorbed. “This process helps lower LDL levels and supports a healthier overall lipid profile. These foods are also digested more slowly, which helps regulate blood sugar and reduce some downstream metabolic effects that can negatively impact cholesterol,” he says.

Dr. Husain also says that complex carbs support cholesterol levels, sharing, “The natural sugars don’t get absorbed as quickly and don’t cause as high a spike in blood sugar. The fibers help your body process fats more efficiently. This reduces the inflammation in your system."

Related: The Best Carb for Aging and Gut Health, According to Dietitians

Alexandra Lazar/Getty Images

Both cardiologists say that virtually all complex carbohydrates support cholesterol because they are packed with beneficial nutrients, such as fiber. Whole grains, beans, chickpeas, lentils, sweet potatoes and berries are all examples of complex carbohydrates that support heart health. But there’s one carbohydrate that can be particularly beneficial that both Dr. Conte and De. Husain say many people don’t eat regularly: oats.

“Oats are one of the best heart-healthy carbohydrates. They’re rich in soluble fiber, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol by limiting how much of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. When eaten regularly, without added sugar, oats can be an effective way to support healthier cholesterol levels,” Dr. Conte says.

Scientific research backs this up, showing that eating oats regularly is associated with lowering LDL cholesterol. Researchers say that the oats’ rich polyphenol (antioxidant-rich micronutrients) content also contributes to lowering cholesterol. This is in addition to oats’ high fiber content. “The digestible fibers in oats have something called beta-glucans. These fibers have been repeatedly shown to have the ability to lower cholesterol in many trials. These fibers also help regulate blood sugar,” Dr. Husain explains. 

Want to support your cholesterol even more? Dr. Husain recommends topping your oats with berries and walnuts. “The berries provide vitamins, nutrients and a little sweetness, while the walnuts have healthy omega-3 fats and a small amount of protein,” he says. Both berries and walnuts have also been scientifically shown to lower LDL cholesterol too.

While eating oats regularly can help lower LDL cholesterol, Dr. Husain notes that it is possible to overdo it. “Amount and quality of carbs matter. You can have too much of a good thing, so eat good carbs and keep it in balance with other nutrients,” he says. 

Remember, there are lots of heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering carbs you can integrate into your diet. But starting your day with a bowl of oats is certainly a great way to set a heart-healthy tone for the rest of the day. 

Up Next:

Related: I Asked 3 Nutrition Experts What Habit Matters Most for Metabolism—They All Said the Same Thing

• Rodgers, J. L., Jones, J., Bolleddu, S. I., et al. (2019). Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Gender and Aging. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 6(2):19
• Dr. Abid Husain, MD, FACC, integrative cardiologist and functional medicine doctor at the Boulder Longevity Institute
• What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean. American Heart Association
• Carbohydrates. American Heart Association
• Dr. John Conte, MD, cardiac surgeon and the medical director of cardiothoracic at XVIVO, a medical technology company specializing in organ transplants
• Grundy, M. M. L., Fardet, A., Tosh, S. M., et al. (2018). Processing of oat: the impact on oat’s cholesterol lowering effect. Food & Function. 9(3):1328-1343
• Huang, H., Chen, G., Liao, D., et al. (2016). Effects of Berries Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Scientific Reports. doi: 10.1038/srep23625
• Banel, D. K. and Hu, F. B. (2009). Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis and systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 90(1):56-63

Comedy legend Dave Chappelle always said he wouldn't bring back his iconic series, Chappelle's Show. However, things may have changed.

Chappelle, 52, gained prominence as a stand-up comedian before tackling film roles in movies like Con Air and Half Baked. While his career has continued to evolve, with unexpected film roles like A Star is Born and tremendous appearances on Saturday Night Live, it was his Comedy Central sketch comedy series, Chappelle's Show, that put him on the map as a revolutionary in the business. Now, the titan says he is potentially considering bringing the series back.

In a revealing new interview, Chappelle told the Associated Press that the comedy landscape has changed so significantly in recent years that he thinks it may be a good time to revisit the idea.

“If you’d asked me that question a year ago, I’d have told you absolutely not. But in the last few weeks … I’m considering it," he shared.

Chappelle's Show ran for two full seasons, with a third abbreviated season.

If you need a laugh, check out this compilation of fun Chappelle's Show moments:

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Chappelle famously walked off Chappelle's Show during the third season. Battling significant stress and creative differences, he decided it was time to leave. In a stand-up video posted to Instagram in 2020, he opened up about why he departed.

"When I quit the show, all my friends would say, 'Well then f--k them, Dave, why don't you just do Chappelle's Show at another network?' Yeah, yeah, yeah. And why doesn't the slave run from one plantation to another plantation because the master over there might be nicer! My God, man, I was trapped," Chappelle shared, admitting that at the time, he had "thought about coming back and doing another Chappelle's Show." However, he eventually realized that he "can't call it Chappelle's Show because my name and likeness is being used by them in perpetuity throughout the universe. It's in the contract," PEOPLE shared.

Related: Controversial Rock Singer Sends Bold Message to Dave Chappelle: ‘The World Is Violent Enough’

The tempters have a tough job: flirting and listening to the women struggling in their relationships on Temptation Island. Hopefully, this gives them clarity about whether their boyfriend at the other villa is right for them.

There is one man who was no longer interested in the role. This is why he left early and said he was on the Netflix show for the wrong reasons.

Courtesy of Netflix

Kai Stone made a strong first impression in season 2. "Your girlfriend's hopping on the plane with me, duh! Back on my island, duh. On the surfboard, duh. In the crib, duh. In the Toyota Tacoma, duh. Watching sunsets, duh. Getting piped under the stars, duh," the Hawaiian surfer told the camera. None of that happened.

Related: Kai of ‘Temptation Island’ Fell for Another Applicant

"I'm the duh guy from Temptation Island," he introduced himself in a TikTok. "Looking back on it I'm like, "God damn I was f---ing douchebag level 10,000," Kai said. "I can't believe I said all that sh-t." He revealed he made a strong connection before filming.

"But I met this girl like six weeks before I went on the show and she was actually interviewing for Temptation Island as well," he explained. "I'm like, what are the odds of that, right? And we're both interviewing as singles."

He said he knew he was "cooked" when they met. "You just think about them all the time, and when you're trying to talk to someone else in a romantic sense or even in a friendly sense, like if it's a girl or a guy, you're not really there mentally," Kai said.

He claimed he tried to leave the first day, but producers convinced him to stay. He told them he was there "for the wrong reasons," and he left the show days later. Everything worked out because he's now in a relationship.

Related: A ‘Temptation Island’ Star Was on Another Netflix Reality Show

Americans eat a lot of fast food burgers.

And after nearly a year of tracking which chains they actually prefer, research firm YouGov has an answer to the question everyone has an opinion on — who makes the best one?

The findings come from the company's analysis of U.S. restaurant brand rankings across major menu categories, from burgers and fries to sandwiches, tacos and coffee. 

Rather than a single taste test, the results reflect nearly a year of surveying regular diners across the country, with data collected from March 2025 through February 2026. 

And according to the data, the best fast food burger in America belongs to Five Guys.

The race was close, with Five Guys claiming first place by just half a percentage point over Burger King. In-N-Out landed in third, Wendy's in fourth and McDonald's in fifth. 

The result is less of a surprise when you consider what Five Guys has been doing since 1986. The Virginia-based chain built its identity on a short menu done well, and decades later, that bet has paid off. 

Eduardo Parra/Getty Images

Burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes, with every patty cooked fresh on a flat-top grill. Every order is also fully customizable, with toppings like grilled onions, mushrooms and jalapeños available at no extra charge.

That focus comes at a cost, though. The chain ranks among the pricier fast food options nationally, and its burgers are some of the most calorie-dense in the category. 

For most regulars, neither is a dealbreaker. When the burger is fresh, customizable and consistently good, it's worth paying a little more for.

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With spring weather in full swing, it’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space. If you’re working with a small patio, balcony, or backyard corner, you don’t need a large setup to make it feel inviting. Compact furniture can go a long way in maximizing your space while still giving you a comfortable place to relax.

If you’re looking for something stylish and budget-friendly, the Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Bistro Patio Set is a great option. Right now, it’s on sale for 45% off, bringing the price down from $200 to just $110. It’s an easy way to upgrade your space without overspending.

Courtesy of Amazon

This set includes two cushioned armchairs and a round table, creating a cozy setup for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or casual outdoor dining. The chairs measure 22 inches long, 23.5 inches wide, and 28 inches tall, each with a 300-pound weight capacity. The table measures 20 inches in both length and width and stands 18 inches tall, supporting up to 33 pounds.

The design features durable PE rattan, which offers the look of natural wicker with added flexibility and strength. It’s built to handle outdoor conditions, with resistance to rain and UV exposure so it holds up well over time. The wraparound armrests add extra comfort while giving the chairs a more supportive feel.

Underneath, the set is supported by a powder-coated metal frame that adds stability and durability. The cushions are filled with soft foam for comfort and come with removable, washable covers, making maintenance simple. Adjustable foot pads on the legs help keep everything balanced, even on slightly uneven surfaces.

Related: Walmart's 'Cozy' $110 4-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set Is 'Perfect for Entertaining'

The table is topped with tempered glass, which is both sturdy and easy to clean. It’s more resistant to scratches than standard glass, and suction cups keep it securely in place. This makes it a practical surface for drinks, snacks, or small decor items.

One of the biggest perks of this set is its versatility. It works well on a porch, deck, garden, poolside area, or balcony. Since each piece is lightweight, you can easily move them around or rearrange your setup depending on your needs.

One shopper said it’s “easy to put together,” adding, “It’s the perfect size for small spaces and the material doesn’t feel cheap.” Another shared, “It looks great on my porch and feels sturdy enough for everyday use. The cushions are comfortable and the tan and cream colors match well with my outdoor decor.”

• Qsun 3-Piece Outdoor Patio Furniture Set, From $70 (was $100) at Amazon
• Dumos 3-Piece Patio Furniture Set, From $70 (was $110) at Amazon
• Devoko 3-Piece Patio Porch Furniture Set, From $90 (was $120) at Amazon

For an affordable way to upgrade your outdoor space, the Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Bistro Patio Set is a great pick. With Amazon’s current 45% discount, you can save $90 on this timeless set right now.

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.

Outdoor living and on-the-go comfort have become essential parts of modern lifestyles. Whether it's spontaneous park visits, beach days, camping trips or backyard gatherings, having reliable and portable seating can make all the difference. As more people embrace flexible lifestyles and outdoor activities, the demand for lightweight, compact furniture continues to grow. Convenience is no longer a luxury—it's an expectation.

One of the biggest trends in outdoor gear right now is portability without sacrificing comfort. Consumers are actively seeking solutions that are easy to carry, quick to set up, and durable enough to withstand repeated use. The ability to grab and go has become a defining feature in purchasing decisions.

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Another important factor is affordability. Shoppers want budget-friendlyoutdoor furniture that still delivers quality and reliability. With inflation impacting everyday purchases, finding affordable seating solutions that don't compromise on usability is more important than ever. This has led to a surge in popularity for foldable chairs that combine value, convenience, and style.

Five Below

A standout option in this category is the Foldable Chair, priced at just $35. Designed for ultimate portability, this chair is ideal for anyone who needs quick, comfortable seating wherever they go. Its compact folding design makes it incredibly easy to pack, transport and store. Whether you're heading to a picnic, tailgate or camping trip.

Related: Sam's Club Shoppers Say This 'Sturdy' Organization Item Is So Great, They're Buying Double

Measuring approximately 29.5 inches by 14.9 inches by 31.4 inches, the chair offers a balanced size that supports comfortable seating while remaining lightweight enough to carry with ease. It's built for versatility—perfect for outdoor adventures, extra seating indoors, or even small-space living, where flexibility is key.

What makes this chair particularly appealing is its accessibility. It's positioned as a budget-friendly find that still feels like a smart purchase. With its grab it before it's gone appeal, it taps into the growing demand for affordable, trendy essentials that don't stay in stock for long. This sense of urgency, combined with its practical features, makes it especially attractive to deal-savvy shoppers.

Beyond function, the chair embodies a lifestyle shift toward simplicity and mobility. Instead of bulky, permanent furniture, more people are opting for adaptable pieces that can move with them. Whether you're relaxing outdoors or need a quick seating solution at home, this foldable chair offers a practical, stylish solution.

Related: Hobby Lobby's Rustic Arch Mirror Is a Gorgeous Addition to Your Coziest Space

Tiny apartments and dorm rooms are typically where aesthetic dreams go to die. Between bad lighting and the cold walls, it’s hard to feel like you’re living your best life. It usually feels more like a basement than a bedroom. But the new LoveShackFancy x Pottery Barn Teen collection aims to be a game changer for anyone who wants to trade their prison cell vibe for something straight out of a Regency-era garden.

The drop is an assortment designed to make small spaces feel personal and lush. If you’re ready to ditch the boring basics and the beige blankets, here’s how to use this collection to save your space.

Your bed is your everything. It’s your sofa, your dining table, and your desk. Because it takes up 80% of the floor plan, it has to look good. The collection features those signature romantic florals on soft pastel comforters and reversible duvets.

But don't stop at a blanket. The trick to that Bridgerton look is layers. More is more. Pile on the printed pillows. Mix the vintage rose patterns with the bow-trimmed shams. The goal is to make the bed look so plush and expensive that you totally forget you’re hanging out in a space that’s hasn't been updated since 2002.

The biggest vibe-killer in any small room is the clutter. You can’t feel like royalty when your gym clothes are overflowing and your protein bars are scattered everywhere. The collection includes chic storage and functional accents that match the decor instead of looking like plastic bins from a hardware store.

We’re talking lidded bins and organizers that ooze charm and practicality. It’s an easy way to hide your snacks, chargers, and skincare routine behind a shimmer of lace and roses. Because let’s be real: no one needs to see your tangled mess of iPhone cables. Not even you.

Those blank walls are the enemy of joy. The collection offers wallpaper details and no-nails pinboards that can transform the room without costing you your security deposit. It’s about creating a space that feels cozy. And expressive.

And because the collection spans everything from desk accessories to window treatments, you can make the whole room feel cohesive. It stops being a random collection of stuff you found in a clearance aisle and starts looking like a curated home.

LoveShackFancy has a cult following for a reason: their prints are distinctly their own and their vibe is carefree romance. Bringing that look to Pottery Barn makes the high-end aesthetic accessible without having to drill holes or paint walls. The collection is live now. If you want the Bridgerton lifestyle before move-in day, you need to move fast. These florals are famous for selling out the second they hit the site.

Over two decades after it originally aired, Freaks and Geeks continues to inspire a level of devotion most single-season shows rarely achieve. 

Though it was canceled after just one season in 1999, fans and critics still regard it as a “near-perfect” coming-of-age dramedy — and one of television’s most painful “what could have been” stories.

Despite its short run, the series is now widely considered a cult classic, credited with launching the careers of several major actors, including Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and Busy Philipps. Yet its early cancelation left many wondering how a show so beloved in hindsight was pulled so quickly.

The answer lies largely in its troubled broadcast history. From the beginning, Freaks and Geeks was placed in a difficult Saturday night 8 p.m. time slot. NBC frequently shifted its schedule, airing episodes inconsistently and leaving long gaps that made it nearly impossible for viewers to follow or build routine viewership.

Although the network ultimately cited low ratings as the reason for cancelation, those numbers were heavily influenced by its unstable rollout. 

The network’s handling of the series reportedly grew even more complicated after cancelation. Only a portion of the remaining episodes were initially aired, while others were later shuffled onto different platforms. 

Beyond scheduling issues, Freaks and Geeks was also a creative risk for its time. It intentionally rejected the glossy portrayal of high school in late-1990s television, opting instead for a more “radically unglamorous” depiction of teenage life, per Vanity Fair. 

While this authenticity is now seen as one of its greatest strengths, it was a harder sell for a network environment that favored more conventional programming.

Even after its abrupt end, the creators, Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, had mapped out plans for a second season. Their vision followed Lindsay Weir’s ongoing search for identity, Sam Weir’s continued awkward adolescence, and the “freaks” navigating life beyond high school and the uncertainties of adulthood.

Despite renewed attention around anniversaries, a reboot doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. Apatow has said the series feels finished as is, and is not something that can be recreated.

“We liked how it ended, so I feel it’s unwrapping something and seeing if you can not screw it up; I don’t think we would do that,” he said in 2017.

That said, demand for the show has not let up. On Reddit, fans still debate its abrupt cancelation, with one calling it “one of the best singular seasons of TV ever and near perfect.”

Another wrote, “Could have been one of the greatest tv shows of all time,” while a third added, “Underrated. Gone too soon.”

Related: 1954 Film Ranked Among 'Best Movies of All Time' Still Holds a Perfect Rating

In our modern world, AI is increasingly everywhere. As data centers continue to expand and automated systems replace everyday tasks, an AI-driven future is becoming a present-day reality rather than a distant possibility.

This week, Dollar General Corp. is expanding its foray into retail media with a new partnership that will bring an AI-driven "audio experience" to 6,000 additional stores across 48 states. The rollout is set to bring the total number of Dollar General locations featuring in-store audio to 12,000 by the second quarter of 2026.

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PJ McDonnell / Shutterstock.com

Dollar General's partnership with QSIC, a platform that uses point-of-sale data, curated music and AI-generated ads to plan and manage in-store audio advertising, comes at a time when AI systems are becoming increasingly harder to ignore. With QSIC, Dollar General can reach around 350 million shoppers per month globally while also tracking ad delivery and offering detailed reporting that gives brand partners a clearer view of how their ad spend is performing.

"With retail seeing approximately 85 percent of sales occurring in-store, physical locations remain the most valuable media channel," explained Matt Elsley, QSIC's co-founder and CEO. "Our platform unlocks new value through intelligent automation, verified delivery and performance data that connects marketing investment to real-world results."

Elsley added, "We're thrilled to partner with Dollar General as they enhance their store experience and expand their in-store retail media capabilities."

Related: Dollar General's Vintage-Inspired $5 Find Is Dripping With Classic Americana Charm

If you're wondering what's behind this move, it helps to look at how much Dollar General has been investing in its retail media strategy lately. In March, the retailer named JJ Fleeman, Ahold Delhaize USA's CEO and architect of its omnichannel strategy, as the successor to Todd Vasos, with the transition set for January 1, 2027. Fleeman is expected to lead the company's digital push, including the growth of DG Media Network, the very team behind the QSIC partnership.

"At DG Media Network, we're constantly looking for innovative ways to help brands meaningfully connect with our customers, and by introducing an AI-powered in-store audio network, we're unlocking an entirely new layer of relevancy and accountability in the shopping experience," said DG Media Network VP and general manager Austin Leonard.

While Leonard notes that the partnership's importance hinges on reaching rural communities, Dollar General claims that roughly 75 percent of the American population lives within five miles of one of its stores. That gives the discount retailer a massively dense U.S. footprint and positions it for major advertising opportunities in what Leonard describes as "underserved and often overlooked rural areas."

"This platform allows us to deliver localized, real-time messaging at scale across the thousands of communities we serve," Leonard explained. "It's a powerful way to create value for our brand partners while enhancing the in-store experience for the millions of customers who rely on Dollar General every day through more relevant, contextual messaging designed to add value, not noise, to their shopping trip."

As of January 30, 2026, Dollar General operates more than 20,000 stores across the United States and Mexico, including its Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and Popshelf formats. With such a wide footprint, the retailer's push into AI-powered in-store audio adds another layer to its reach to customers across thousands of communities nationwide. This new rollout reflects how quickly AI is becoming embedded into everyday shopping experiences, even in something as routine as in-store audio announcements.

Related: This Fan-Favorite Stainless Steel Tumbler Survived the Ultimate Heat Test—and the Results Are Unreal