Parade

No one sets out to make a bad album, but they happen. Perhaps the artists' intentions aren't clear on the track, or the band's dynamics are off. Or maybe the music needs a few decades to find its audience?

Or maybe the LP happens to follow a really good album, and it pales by comparison? Such was the case with John Lennonand the Plastic Ono Band's Some Time in New York City, which Rolling Stone crowned the Most Disappointing Album of all time.

In Rolling Stone's 2024 takedown, the author blasted the songs Some Time in New York City ("Attica State," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "John Sinclair") as "half-assed, at best, and seemed dated almost instantly."

"Listening to Some Time in New York City today, it's almost impossible to believe his prior two albums were Plastic Ono Band and Imagine. Both of those albums are timeless masterpieces. Some Time in New York City is as disposable as the newspapers on the cover," wrote the critic.

According to the ranking, Lennon "bounced back with Mind Games in 1973, leaving Some Time in New York City little more than an unfortunate time capsule from a troubled time."

Other entries in the top 5 included The Rolling Stones'Their Satanic Majesties Request, Bob Dylan'sSelf Portrait, David Bowie'sTonight, and Guns N' Roses'Chinese Democracy.

The rest of the Top 10 Most Disappointing Albums of All Time includes Michael Jackson'sInvincible, Yes'sTales From Topographical Oceans, Stevie Wonder'sStevie Wonder's Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants, The Beach Boys'Smiley Smile, and Bruce Springsteen'sHuman Touch.

Fans and critics reappraised Some Time in New York City in 2025, after it was reissued in Power to the People. The expansive box set included the albumand nearly a hundred previously unreleased tracks, including performances from their One to One benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden.

Whereas RS called Some Time In New York "half-assed," Pitchfork thought Lennon and Ono's activist sensibilities created an album full of "greasy rock'n'roll record designed as an underground press bulletin, a deliberate political provocation intended to stir listeners into action."

Mojoalso noted that the newly remixed version of the album "more than shines…where the original suffered from tinniness, boxiness and unnecessary slathers of reverb and echo, here, with Lennon's voice cranked, it comes on like a punchy sister track to The Beatles' 'Back In The USSR'"

Related: '60s Motown Legend Voted 'Greatest Bassist of All Time' by Fellow Musicians

It's always an exciting time whenever McDonald's confirms the arrival of a brand-new item to its nationwide menu.

Such is especially the case when said item is as massive and altogether delicious-sounding as the Big Arch Burger.

A plus-sized burger sure to leave even the hungriest diners stuffed to the gills, the Big Arch Burger features a delicate balance between double beef, creamy melted cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh pickles and a healthy smatter of signature sauce between a sesame seed bun.

According to the always reliable food blogger SnackWire, the new burger will arrive in McDonald's locations within the U.S. sometime in early March. The menu item's debut in American locations will come only a few short weeks after the limited-time introduction of the Shamrock Shake, a seasonal item McDonald's offers for the restaurant's St. Patrick's Day celebration.

As expected, the introduction of the Big Arch Burger has earned an altogether eager response from longtime fans of the fast food chain. "Sound the trumpets," one user wrote on Instagram. "I'm ready," added another fan. "That looks delicious," said a third, complete with an emoji face licking its lips.

Initially, the Big Arch Burger was tested out as a limited-time menu item in Portugal, Canada and the United Kingdom. Based on the item's apparent success and ongoing popularity in those markets, the burger's official introduction in the U.S. marks the first time it's landed in the country, generating further interest from prospective diners.

More recently, the arrival of the Big Arch Burger also spells out yet another exciting addition to McDonald's growing menu. Earlier this year, the iconic fast food chain generated a significant amount of buzz for its various Hot Honey-inspired dishes, including their new Hot Hot Honey McCrispy, Hot Honey Snack Wrap and Hot Honey Sausage Egg Biscuit, among others.

Britpop legends Pulp are giving fans around the world another reason to celebrate. After overwhelming demand for their previously announced tour dates, the band has officially added a second show in one European city and a whole slate of shows in North and South America as part of their 2026 tour.

First, the British icons were originally slated to play Tempodrom in Berlin on June 27, 2026. Now, due to what the band described as "unprecedented demand," they’ll also take the stage there on June 25, 2026.

View this post on Instagram

"Immer mehr. Extra Pulp in Berlin! Due to unprecedented demand, Pulp will play a second night at the Berlin Tempodrom on Thursday 25 June 2026," the band wrote on Instagram.

Now, besides the second Berlin show, the band also recently announced a new slate of shows in Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Colombia as well:

View this post on Instagram

"Tu mereces mas Pulp! You asked for it, so here we come ... Pulp will play concerts in Mexico, Columbia [sic], Chile & Argentina in June 2026," the band also shared on Instagram.

Tickets are already on sale for the extra Berlin show on the band's website. Pre-sale tickets for the North and South America June tour dates go on sale tomorrow, Feb. 17, with general sale tickets following on Friday, Feb. 20.

The 2026 run continues a major comeback era for the band, who released their first album in over two decades last year, More.

Formed in Sheffield, U.K. in 1978, Pulp became one of the defining acts of the '90s Britpop movement alongside bands like Oasis and Blur. Led by frontman Jarvis Cocker, the group broke through to mainstream success with their 1994 album His ’n’ Hers before reaching global fame with 1995's Different Class, which featured era-defining hits like "Common People" and "Disco 2000."

One of the most unforgettable stars of VH1's reality show era is being honored by a former co-star and friend on the 10th anniversary of her death.

Angela "Big Ang" Raiola was the heart of the channel's beloved Mob Wives series, which ran for six seasons. The series aired from 2011 through 2016.

Raiola's co-star Renee Graziano posted a tribute to her beloved friend via Instagram. She honored the impact Raiola had on viewers, her friends, and family, along with a slideshow of six photographs.

"Today makes ten years since you left this world and still your presence refuses to fade," Graziano began. "You are remembered by so many, missed by people who never even met you, spoken of like you might walk back in at any moment."

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

View this post on Instagram

She continued, "Our family still whispers your name upward, still hoping heaven made a mistake. Still wishing God would send you back home."

"I know you are free from pain now. I know wherever you are, you are still the light, still the laughter, still the soul that lifts every room. So today we do not grieve, we honor, we celebrate your life, your spirit & your love. Angela, I love you, always ."

Raiola was the niece of Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, a captain in the Genovese crime family. She joined Mob Wives in 2012, and soon became a fan favorite for her over-the-top personality, raspy voice, and distinctive style.

After Mob Wives ended, Raiola had her own spin-offs on the channel with the series Big Ang and Miami Monkey. She also appeared with her husband, Neil Murphy, whom she married in 2009, on Celebrity Wife Swap and Couples Therapy.

This is @vinniemedugno on behalf of the family of Angela Raiola, please see below: pic.twitter.com/wiuPApr9Lw

— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 18, 2016

Angelia Raiola's friend Vinnie Medugno announced Raiola’s death on the reality star's X page on February 19, 2016. He wrote, "It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01 a.m. Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer and was called home. “She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family and the closest friends. YOU (her fans) were some of the most special people in the world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end."

The Mob Wives star had two children, Raquel Donofrio and Anthony “A.J.” Donofrio.

Amy Schumeris living her best life on Feb. 16! The 44-year-old actress took to Instagram to share a little life advice (while defending her recent weight loss journey) and practiced what she preached by diving off a yacht in a red bikini!

"I am the healthiest I’ve ever been," she wrote in her first post, a glowing makeup-free selfie from the boat. "Laughing hard with your friends is so essential. Don’t forget! Good for your body!"

Related: Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir Share Powerful Messages for Ilia Malinin After Devastating Falls

"Close your eyes and breathe. Move around!" she continued. "Jump in water whenever you have the chance and get your face out of your screen and in front of other people. My 2 cents."

She even shared her latest vacation read: Old Hollywood actress Shelly Winters' autobiography, which Schumer's "Really enjoying." Other photos in the carousel showed her playing around with kids and hanging out with friends.

View this post on Instagram

In her next post, the comedian put her money where her mouth is and dove headfirst into big blue ocean. "Et plouf!" she captioned the fun clip.

"Health is so important and so are friends. Luv u," commented Schumer's pal Lindsey Vonn, who knows that first hand after a shocking crash during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan just one week prior that landed her in the hospital. Another friend, comedian Billie Lee, wrote, "So happy for you honey! You deserve all the love and happiness."

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

Schumer has been faced with both praise and criticism after losing 50 pounds with the help of weight loss drug Mounjaro, and this is far from the first time she's clapped back at the haters.

View this post on Instagram

"Pics of yourself when you’re finally feeling strong and beautiful are not a cry for help,” she shared in an Instagram post on Feb. 3. “They are a celebration of life and health. Love to the single moms out there.”

Schumer deleted nearly all of her pre-weight-loss photos, and has shared many since, including some in swimsuits, but the photo on Feb. 16 is the first time she's rocked a bikini on the social media platform, and fans were so happy to see her seeming so comfortable in her own skin. "Pure joy," said one.

In 1991, grunge dominated the cultural landscape, blasting from record stores, taking over MTV, filling concert lineups, and ruling the radio. Defined by raw, angst-driven, and deeply introspective lyrics, the alternative rock subgenre found one of its most powerful and defining anthems in Pearl Jam's "Jeremy."

It may not be a surprise that Pearl Jam is on the list, as they are one of the grunge genre's most defining bands alongside Nirvana and many more. The American Songwriter site compiled a Top 3 list of "One-Word Classic Rock Songs" from 1991 that honor grunge.

"Jeremy" was described as being one of the best at taking real-world issues and turning them into powerful lyrics. While the song was released in 1992, it was recorded in 1991 with its lyrics written by Eddie Vedder and music composed by bassist Jeff Ament. It was released as part of their debut album Ten.

Vedder crafted the song's lyrics based on a real-life event after reading a newspaper article about Jeremy Wade Delle. Delle was a 15-year-old student at Richardson High School in Texas who shot himself in an apparent suicide in front of his English class. The Pearl Jam singer also took inspiration from someone he knew in junior high school who committed a school shooting.

In an interview with Seattle Sound Magazine at the time, Vedder said he wrote the song after feeling "the need to take that small article and make something of it—to give that action, to give it reaction, to give it more importance."

Pearl Jam's music video for "Jeremy" also gained attention for its storyline, depicting a boy who was being bullied and decides to die by suicide. In 1993, the music video won Best Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Related: 2003 Hit Ranked ‘Most Popular Rock Song’ of All Time 

The song gained the No.5 spot on the Album and Modern Rock Billboard charts at its release, but didn't enter the Billboard Hot 100 until its re-release in 1995. It later became certified gold by the RIAA and received nominations for Best Rock Song and Best Hard Rock Performance at the 1993 Grammys.

American Songwriter also named Nirvana's "Lithium" as a one-word title track that honors the grunge genre. It was released as the fifth track of their Nevermind album, with its lyrics talking about a man turning to religion after the death of his girlfriend to stay alive. They also included U2's "One," admitting the band is not considered grunge, but the 1991 song holds prevalent themes associated with the genre.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Sasha Obama is no longer the little girl we're used to seeing at the White House!

The daughter of Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, 24, hit up the 2026 NBA All-Star Game with her parents at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, and it's safe to say the former First Kid is all grown up. Rarely spotted out and about with her parents, the University of Southern California grad tends to fly under the radar these days.

"My favorite teammates on and off the court. 🏀," the former First Lady captioned her Instagram post, which showed the couple sitting on the court with Sasha peering over their shoulders. With a glowing face that featured high cheekbones and smooth hair tucked behind her ear, Sasha was absolutely stunning.

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🎬

Celebrating Sasha's Birthday

Back in June, Michelle Obama took to Instagram to celebrate her youngest daughter's birthday with a sweet photo of the foursome enjoying a vacation together. Standing almost as tall as her mother, Sasha smiled as she leaned with her arm around her smiling dad.

"Happy birthday to my sweet girl, Sasha! Can’t believe how quickly time has flown. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. Love you always! 💕🥳," Michelle captioned the family photo.

View this post on Instagram Regina King Thanked Sasha and Malia

During a Jan. 21 appearance on Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson's IMO podcast, actress Regina King thanked Sasha and Malia Obama for being such kind friends to her sonIan, who died by suicide in 2002.

"I wanna say [thank you] publicly to Malia and Sasha, for being great friends of Ian's," King shared. "We didn't even know. Ian's cooking dinner, and he's just telling me he's cooking dinner for some girl named Sasha. So, I'm just thinking it's some girl named Sasha that his friend was dating."

Michelle went on to say that Ian was "one of the first friends Malia and Sasha made when they moved to L.A."

View this post on Instagram

Related: Michelle Obama Gives Relationship Advice: Fans Divided Over Her Stance on Couples Moving In Together

Kiefer Sutherland has spent decades playing men who don’t sleep, don’t blink, and don’t miss. In spring 2026, he’s doing something that's bolder in its own way. He's stepping back onstage for his Love Will Bring You Home Tour, a return to touring after 2024 in support of his upcoming 4th album, Grey.

The context: Sutherland isn’t 'trying music.' He’s been building an Americana-leaning catalog for years, and the public-facing materials around his records lean heavily into the music versus relying solely on celebrity. His site’s album page for Bloor Street (2022) notes it was produced and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge and recorded in Los Angeles, where the project was a real studio effort, not a vanity release. Earlier releases include Reckless & Me (2019), which marked a more formal pivot into singer-songwriter territory.

View this post on Instagram

The current leg of the tour is running through Europe, including the England, Ireland, Germany and Sweden. You can keep tabs on future legs of the tour at his official site.

What tends to surprise people is both that he can sing and he approaches touring like a working musician. The venues tend to be a little more intimate and clearly built for music instead of spectacle. Union Chapel, in particular, is known for an atmosphere that rewards closeness with clear acoustics and a smaller scale that makes the performance feel close. That kind of choice tells you what the show is aiming for, and it’s miles away from the movie and TV image many fans might have.

Related: Kiefer Sutherland Remembers the ‘Extraordinary’ Rob Reiner Moment That Stayed With Him Through His Career

Although Sutherland’s screen résumé keeps expanding, this tour is a significant commitment, one that will only grow if additional legs are added. It also offers a different kind of public access to a familiar figure in a pleasantly unfamiliar setting.

If you're wondering what to expect, here's a Morning Call review of a previous performance:

' His voice was good – not necessarily distinctive for its tone or range, but very much able to convey the meaning and emotion in songs, usually in a rasp or gravelly whisper not unlike a latter-day Bob Dylan, or Dylan’s singing son Jakob. Sutherland’s tunes also were far above the usual celebrity-song offerings.

He went on:

'The title track of his new disc 'Reckless & Me' was a simmering rock dirge; 'Open Road,' also was slow and tender, enhanced by harmonica; and the slower, lilting 'Faded Pair of Blue Jeans' was lovely. But Sutherland and the band also rocked. A cover of Patty Loveless’s 'Blame It On Your Heart' was a rollicking juke-joint tune, and 'This is How It’s Done' a fast-chugging country rocker on which the band was the star.'

Considering tickets? Be sure to confirm your city on the official tour page, then cross-check your venue or Ticketmaster listing for exact on-sale timing in your local time zone. And rock on!

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

In the hiatus between the end of Yellowstoneand the premiere of his upcoming CBS series Marshals, Luke Grimes found the time to make new music, the first since the self-titled Luke Grimes album was released in 2024.

The sophomore album, Redbird, will be released on April 3, but the first song from it, “Love You Now,” was just released.

“Making Redbird was a cathartic experience in many ways,” says Grimes. “Sometimes the highs and lows of life are too much to express with words, so song becomes necessary. As deeply personal as it is, the themes are simple and universal: love, loss, and learning along the way.”

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

The 10-track modern country music project, produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, marks Grimes’ most personal and fully realized musical statement to date. He explores love, faith, regret, and resilience with a stripped-down clarity that favors storytelling over spectacle. The result is a record rooted in tradition yet unmistakably modern in perspective.

Grimes co-wrote much of the album and contributed acoustic guitar, percussion, and drums throughout the sessions, working alongside Cobb and collaborators including Jessie Jo Dillon, Natalie Hemby, and others.

View this post on Instagram

Related: From 50 Shades of Grey to Yellowstone, Luke Grimes’ Net Worth in 2026 Is a Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow!

Redbird Tracklisting

1. High Rise Jeans (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
2. Come Home (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
3. Love You Now (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
4. Hummingbird (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
5. Drink Drink Drink (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
6. Love Me That Way (Luke Grimes, Nick Walsh, Wolf Mahler)
   
7. I’m Not Gonna Leave You (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
8. Without You (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
9. Haunted (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
   
10. A Little More Time (Luke Grimes, Natalie Hemby)

In Marshals, Grimes reprises his role as Kayce Dutton. With the Yellowstone Ranch behind him, Dutton joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana.

Marshals will premiere on Sunday, March 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

Next, Luke Grimes Yellowstone Spinoff Marshals Releases New Extended Trailer, Images (UPDATED)

Bananas are the most popular fruit in the U.S., purchased more often than apples, berries and grapes. They’re one of the most convenient, affordable fruits, and there’s certainly no shortage of delicious ways to eat them. Bananas taste great with oatmeal, in smoothies, paired with nut butter or enjoyed on their own, freshly peeled.

It’s the foods we eat most often that impact our health the most—including blood pressure. Considering that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, the connection between diet and blood pressure is something everyone should have top of mind.

Don’t think it’s that big of a deal? Consider this fact from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: In 2023, the most recent year data is available, high blood pressure was the primary or contributing cause of 664,470 deaths in the U.S.

Since bananas are the most widely consumed fruit in the U.S., it’s worth it to think about how this popular fruit impacts blood pressure—for better or for worse. We talked to three cardiologists to find out. 

🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊

Tetra Images/Getty Images

How Eating Bananas Impacts Blood Pressure

According to Dr. Laura Isaacson, MD, RD, CDCES, a cardiologist, registered dietitian and the senior director of clinical dietetics at Vida Health, bananas are very good for blood pressure. “Bananas can help to lower blood pressure because they are rich in potassium,” she says.

Dr. Isaacson explains that potassium helps the body get rid of excess sodium through the kidneys, reducing fluid retention and easing pressure on blood vessel walls. That means that eating a banana can be especially beneficial if you’ve recently eaten something salty.

Related: The One Habit That Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Overnight, According to a Cardiologist

While bananas certainly support blood pressure, don’t expect a major decrease immediately after eating one. Dr. Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says that the decrease is more moderate, both immediately and long-term. Echoing Dr. Isaacson, he explains that the potassium in bananas blunts the effects of sodium, leading to a small decrease in blood pressure.

But that doesn't mean the decrease isn't noteworthy. Dr. Rajeev L. Narayan, MD, a cardiologist with Nuvance Health, explains it this way: “Potassium helps the body counterbalance sodium, which is one of the biggest dietary drivers of high blood pressure. It also helps blood vessels relax, improving blood flow and lowering pressure within the arteries. In simple terms, potassium helps take the pressure off your blood vessels—literally.”

Related: When To Worry About Changes in Your Blood Pressure, According to Cardiologists

Wondering if eating two bananas will have a bigger impact than eating just one? It won’t. “The benefits plateau,” Dr. Baliga says.

Dr. Narayan agrees. “Eating more doesn’t necessarily mean better results,” he explains, adding that one a day is enough to benefit the cardiovascular system. “Eating multiple bananas won’t double the blood-pressure effect and may add excess calories or potassium."

It is important to note that bananas can interfere with certain medications. “People taking medications that raise potassium levels—such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs [used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease] or potassium-sparing diuretics—should be mindful. Patients with kidney disease should also be cautious. If you’re on heart or blood pressure medications, it’s always smart to ask before dramatically increasing potassium intake,” Dr. Narayan says. 

Related: Cardiologists Are Begging You to Never Skip One Thing When Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home

How Eating Bananas Regularly Supports Cardiovascular Health

If you do eat bananas regularly long-term, your entire cardiovascular system will benefit. Besides supporting blood pressure, all three cardiologists say that the fiber and antioxidants in bananas help lower LDL cholesterol and contribute to overall improved cardiovascular health. 

One 2024 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that people with high blood pressure who regularly ate apples and bananas three to six times a week had a noteworthy decrease in their risk of cardiovascular disease.  

“Bananas contain soluble fiber, particularly pectin, which helps lower LDL cholesterol by binding to it in the gut, so less is absorbed into the bloodstream,” Dr. Isaacson says. She also points out that bananas are filling, which means that bananas can play a role in weight management. This is important because maintaining a healthy weight is key to looking after your heart.  

Besides the potassium and fiber, Dr. Isaacson explains that the magnesium in bananas plays an important role in maintaining a steady heart rhythm and healthy muscle function. “It helps the heart to contract and relax efficiently and supports better blood flow by relaxing blood vessels,” she explains.

Bananas are certainly a heart-healthy food, but all three cardiologists emphasize that what’s most important is to eat a wide range of nutrient-rich foods. Eating a banana a day can’t make up for having unhealthy dietary habits the rest of the day.

“Bananas are helpful, but they’re not a replacement for medication or other lifestyle changes when those are needed. No single food fixes blood pressure, but bananas are a great piece of the puzzle,” Dr. Narayan says. 

Remember, bananas are just one of many fruits that support blood pressure. Eating them regularly is a great habit, but so is switching it up and having berries or an apple every now and then too.

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Worst Frozen Food for Heart Health, According To Registered Dietitians

Sources: 

• Top 20 Fruits and Vegetables Sold in the U.S. International Fresh Produce Association
• High Blood Pressure Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Dr. Laura Isaacson, MD, RD, CDCES, cardiologist, registered dietitian and the senior director of clinical dietetics at Vida Health
• Dr. Ragavendra Baliga, MBBS, cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• Dr. Rajeev L. Narayan, MD, a cardiologist with Nuvance Health
• Sun, C., Li, J., Zhao, Z., et al. (2024). The correlation between fruit intake and all-cause mortality in hypertensive patients: a 10-year follow-up study.Frontiers in Nutrition. 11:1363574. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1363574

Amanda Seyfried is currently riding high on the digital success of Paul Feig’s latest psychological thriller, The Housemaid, but she’s the first to admit she wasn't exactly sweating in the production office. While the film has become a massive streaming hit on Prime Video and Apple TV+ this February, Seyfried recently dropped a bombshell: she didn't even realize she was an executive producer until the credits started rolling.

The Oscar nominee, who stars as the wealthy and enigmatic Nina Winchester, shared her candid reaction to the surprise title with her trademark wit. "I was like, 'This really better be a hit,'" Seyfried confessed during a recent press stop on the UK’s The Graham Norton Show. She went on to clarify the nature of the role, stating, "It was a vanity credit because I didn't do s---t to make that movie."

Vanity Credits vs. The ‘Margot Robbie’ Method

In an era where A-list stars are increasingly taking the reins behind the camera, Seyfried’s refreshingly blunt honesty offers a rare glimpse into the mechanics of Hollywood billing. She was quick to contrast her experience on the Lionsgate project with the industry's gold standard for actor-producers: Margot Robbie, who was also a guest on the program.

"What Margot does is intensely developing from jump," Seyfried noted, referencing the Barbie star's hands-on approach with her production company, LuckyChap. As for her own tenure on The Housemaid? Seyfried kept it real: "I just had a bunch of fun and left." Fans took to social media to praise her honesty: “I love how honest she is,” wrote one Reddit fan. Another agreed, noting how the star’s trademark candor is “very refreshing.”

Others were confused by the executive producer credit. “I thought EPs were more of those who help finance a movie while producers were more involved in the actual process (casting, filming, promoting, etc),” asked a fan. Not quite. “Basically a regular producer is actually involved in the day to day activities of getting a movie made while an Executive is more involved in the actual financing and funding of the movie. So in this instance, Amanda Seyfried was probably just given the title as a way to more easily get funding for the movie by having an A-Lister already attached,” explained a Redditor.

Why ‘The Housemaid’ is the Breakout Thriller of 2026

Released theatrically in late December 2025 and hitting home screens just in time for Valentine's Day 2026, The Housemaid has transitioned from a Freida McFadden page-turner to a cinematic obsession. The story follows Millie (Sydney Sweeney), a young woman with a checkered past who takes a live-in job for the Winchesters, only to find that the "perfect" family is harboring dangerous secrets.

Fans have specifically praised the chemistry between Seyfried and Sweeney, with Seyfried calling it "the most exciting and fun role" she has ever played. Despite her "vanity" title, Seyfried’s performance is being hailed as an awards-season contender, proving that even if she didn't "do shit" in the edit suite, she certainly did the work on screen.

What’s Next for the Accidental Producer?

While The Housemaid dominates the charts, Seyfried isn't slowing down. She is currently gaining massive traction for her lead role in the musical biopic The Testament of Ann Lee, directed by Mona Fastvold. The film, which explores the founding of the Shakers, is already earning Seyfried Best Actress buzz following its January wide release.

Between managing life on her rural farm and navigating a career resurgence that includes a recent Astra Film Award win, Seyfried remains an "open fucking book" for her fans. Whether she’s accidentally producing hits or fighting for gritty new roles, she continues to go "straight to the heart" of what makes a Hollywood icon.

Heading out for groceries in the middle of winter can require a little extra motivation. But if you're a regular Costco shopper, you already know the food court provides plenty of reasons to leave the house.

Sure, the oversized pizza slices and the legendary $1.50 hot dog make a compelling case. But the latest sweet addition may be the most tempting excuse yet to lace up your sneakers. The Double Chocolate Mint Sundae has arrived, layering cool mint soft serve with chocolate, cookie crumbles, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish that still feels refreshing.

If you need a little extra incentive to make that warehouse run this week, this might be it.

Check out the new option shared on TikTok by @bcontentkontent on February 15:

@bcontentkontent

you guys it was SO good! Have you tried it? #costco #costcofinds #costcotiktok #costcofood #newatcostco

♬ sonido original - ･ﾟ✧

The Costco food court has built its reputation on value, and this latest addition fits right in. Priced at $2.99, it's an easy treat to grab on your way out the door.

Related: A Fresh New Bakery Find at Costco Brightens Winter Mornings

Early reactions already suggest shoppers are eager to try it. Viewer @Robyn noted, "OMG. That looks so good!" Another added, "GET IN ME!" while @highitsmonse shared, "I went today, and they didn't have it yet! This must be a March specialty!" This suggests the rollout may still be reaching locations, a common pattern with new Costco finds.

Chocolate and Mint Have a Long Dessert History

Chocolate and mint may feel like a modern ice cream shop favorite, but the pairing actually dates back centuries. According to Hotel Chocolat, historians trace the combination to 16th-century Europe, when cacao brought from South America was blended into hot drinks and flavored with mint and spices to soften its naturally bitter taste. The cacao itself had been cultivated much earlier by the Maya and Aztec civilizations, who valued it for both flavor and health benefits.

Chocolate and spices.

Image via Shutterstock/udra11

By Victorian times, confectioners began transforming the cooling mint and chocolate contrast into sweets. In 1940, peppermint creams coated in dark chocolate gained popularity in the United States, and mint chocolate thins soon followed, helping cement the flavor combination as a longtime favorite.

For Costco shoppers, that familiar contrast may be part of the appeal. It's rich enough to feel like a reward after navigating crowded aisles, yet cool and refreshing enough to feel lighter than a typical chocolate dessert.

If you have a Costco trip on the calendar this week, it might be worth saving a little room. Because sometimes the best part of a warehouse run isn't what goes in the cart, it's what waits at the exit.

The Oscar-winning movie The Silence of the Lambs celebrated its 35th anniversary, with actor Ted Levine looking back at his infamous role. Playing the serial killer Buffalo Bill, Levine admits his character's gender identity storyline doesn't hold up well in today's society.

Buffalo Bill, also known as James Gumb, was portrayed as a heinous serial killer whose sexuality was never explicitly confirmed. Over the years, audiences have come to see the character as gender nonconforming and transgender based on certain details in the film. Levine opens up about the longstanding criticism against his character.

"There are certain aspects of the movie that don’t hold up too well," said Levine toThe Hollywood Reporter. “We all know more, and I’m a lot wiser about transgender issues. There are some lines in that script and movie that are unfortunate."

Related: ‘Bridgerton’ Star Yerin Ha Sets the Record Straight on Her and Her Co-Star’s Personal Lives: ‘We Don’t Owe an Explanation’

The Silence of the Lambs portrays Buffalo Bill as an outcast whomJodie Foster's character tries to build a psychological profile of to capture him. Buffalo Bill's modus operandi involves kidnapping youn woman and skinning their backs to make a "woman suit."

Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) is the one who tells Foster's character that Buffalo Bill had once applied for gender-affirming surgery but was denied. The film also portrays the killer wearing feminine clothing and makeup in his hideout. While the movie never fully explored the character's sexuality or identity, many within the trans community critiqued the role. Levine expressed his regret over the movie having "vilified" that way of life with a serial killer.

"[It’s] just over time and having gotten aware and worked with trans folks, and understanding a bit more about the culture and the reality of the meaning of gender," says the actor. "It's unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it’s fucking wrong. And you can quote me on that."

The Heat and Monk actor went on to clarify that he didn't play Buffalo Bill as "being gay or trans. I think he was just a fucked-up heterosexual man. That’s what I was doing."

Mariel Hemingway has faced plenty of ups and downs in her life, and she's finally found peace. That must be why she's absolutely glowing!

The actress and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, 64, rose to stardom with breakout roles in Lipstick and Manhattan during the ’70s. She played Woody Allen‘s teenage ingenue in that film, which co-starred film icon Diane Keaton. She went on to several other acclaimed film roles and became a TV staple in the ’90s. Now, she’s known as a holistic living expert and memoirist.

In a new post, a glowing Hemingway shared a bare-faced photo and spoke candidly about her healing journey. With her trademark blonde hair, bold eyebrows, and natural face, the stunner opened up about coming to accept that she is worthy of love no matter how much she achieves in life.

"I watched a show set in the nineties last night. The clothes. The music. The way the light hit the rooms. I was loving it. I felt at home. There was a moment when I caught myself smiling at the screen, thinking, that was my time. I had my style. I knew who I was. Or at least I thought I did. And then another truth rose," she shared. "The nineties were not easy for me."

View this post on Instagram

Hemingway went on to say that she spent the '90s working, and she "measured myself by applause. By reviews. By whether I was wanted. Back then, I believed I was only as good as my last project. If it failed, I failed. I made my worth conditional."

Hemingway went on to say that at the time, she was seeking validation to fulfill "someone else's vision" of who she should be. With the time that's passed, however, Hemingway said she's learned that she was never failing, but "healing."

"She was doing the work beneath the work, even when she did not have language for it yet," she shared. "I needed to remove the story that said success was the only proof of worth."

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

She’s a Mental Health Advocate

Hemingway has had significant struggles with her own mental health over the years. She’s also lost several family members. Seven members of the Hemingway family have died by suicide, including her sisterMargauxHemingway, she revealed in the 2013 documentary film Running from Crazy.

Photo by WWD on Getty Images

“I grew up in a generation where we didn’t talk. I mean, my family was like, ‘We don’t talk about those problems,'” Hemingway said in a 2021 interview. “I have a sister who suffers from mental illness, and it was never spoken about, never, and it was never like that was the problem.”

Hemingway is grateful that things have changed in recent years.

“Fifteen, 20 years ago when I sort of started speaking, it was way more shrouded in like taboo, we don’t talk about this. I’ve had massive depression. I had suicidal ideation. It was years ago. I came from such a shamed place about it,” she explained. “What’s wonderful is the more people who tell their story, the more people who feel as though they’re being heard and understood, the more solutions that can come from that because I’m a big believer that there’s not one solution to mental health issues.”

Related: Mariel Hemingway, 63, Reflects on Her Family’s Tragic Legacy: ‘I Wondered if I Would Be Next’

The 21-year-old Team USA figure skater is speaking out against online hatred following his shocking performance during his Olympic free skate program.

Ilia Malinin shared a post on Instagram on Monday, Feb. 16, addressing his uncharacteristic 8th place finish in the men's figure skating final. Malinin came into the Winter Olympics undefeated and was heavily favored to take home gold in the men's figure skating final.

View this post on Instagram

"On the world’s biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside," he wrote.

He continued, "Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise. Vile online hatred attacks the mind and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."

Malinin concluded the post writing, "It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash, This is that version of the story."

The figure skater also teased in the caption, "Coming February 21, 2026," which is the date of Olympics figure skating exhibition gala. While Malinin did not medal in the men's individual event, he did take home gold alongside Team USA in the team competition.

Malinin, who is known as the "quad god," was unable to execute a quadruple axel during his performance. He also fell twice in his program earning him a score of 156.33 in the free skate, and 264.49 overall.

"It’s not like any other competition. It's the Olympics, and I think people only realize the pressure in the nerves that actually happen from the inside, so it was really just something that overwhelmed me and I just felt like I had no control," he told reporters at the time.

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

Ryan Murphy’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette hasn’t touched on the 1999 plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy Jr., wife, Carolyn Bessette, and her sisterLauren Bessette — but island residents recall how Martha’s Vineyard came together in the wake of the tragedy.

Kennedy's plane crashed off the Aquinnah cliffs on Martha's Vineyard on July 16, 1999, and after an exhaustive search, he, along with the Bessette sisters, was found dead. Global news organizations descended upon the tony island to cover the tragedy on an island where the Kennedy family continues to visit to this day.

At the time, West Tisbury Police Chief Beth Toomey reflected, “I drove all the way up-Island today and it was a good exercise in understanding that life goes on. It reminded me very much of John [Kennedy Jr.], of how life would go on when he would come here - he would be very low profile and life would go on around him,” she remarked in a 1999 article in The Vineyard Gazette. “It was a special family - they kept such a low profile here and I really respect them. This is a loss.”

Local law enforcement joined the national search alongside the Coast Guard. Massachusetts Environmental Police Sgt. Bill Searle observed how islanders, many of whom had gotten to know the family over the years, reacted.

“This has been a phenomenal cooperative effort at a local level,” he told The Gazette. “I think the Island under times of stress and grief, it brings something out in people. And the question is always, ‘What can I do?’ That is what we have heard, not just from every agency, but from stores and other people straight across the board. It wasn’t a matter of, ‘If you need me, I’ll show up.’ They just showed up.”

Local businesses immediately acted to support rescue workers by sending food and water throughout the three days teams spent searching the crash site. “I can’t say strongly enough how amazing this Island has been in a time of need,” Searle said.

Once the bodies were recovered and the media frenzy began to ease, Chilmark Police Chief Timothy Rich reflected, “This has been a media event of biblical proportion, but I’ve been doing this long enough to know that tomorrow will come.”

FX's limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT with episodes streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

"The early bird catches the worm," is a phrase tossed around since 1605.

Originating in William Camden'sRemains Concerning Britain, the idiom has somehow become synonymous with pre-sunrise alarms and an inclination for success.

All in all, the phrase suggests a simple concept: if you get there first, you have a better chance of getting what you set out to achieve; or, as Camden once said it: "catcheth the worme."

When it comes to your daily routine, this concept can make an impact.

While it doesn't necessarily mean you actually have to wake up at the break of dawn, "catching the worm" can become a more enjoyable endeavor if you establish a routine to streamline your day to day.

Oprah Winfrey is a multi-billionaire who was born in rural Mississippi to a single teen mom and an abusive household.

She worked her way to the top of the media circuit and has since established an entire business empire of her own.

Oprah, 72, is someone who takes her mornings quite seriously.

Unlike the advice of many a self-help book, she does not believe in alarm clocks.

"I have never set an alarm, I don't believe in them," she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017.

"They are … alarming! I put the number in my mind and I wake up before that, usually between 6:02 and 6:20, because the dogs are trained to go out around that time."

Following her premeditated natural wake up, she reportedly brushes her teeth and walks the dogs outside.

Getting sunlight first thing in the morning has many health benefits—regulating your circadian rhythm, providing Vitamin D, boosting mood and alertness, and improving sleep at night, according to fitness powerhouse, Peloton.

Oprah then spends time practicing "a series of spiritual exercises," which includes meditations, readings, and daily affirmations, said THR.

After checking in with herself and her spirit, Oprah works out for about an hour each morning.

"I'll do 20 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes walking on the treadmill. I start out at the level-three incline setting and then every minute I add to the incline until I get to 12 or 15. And then I do sit-ups."

Another woman famous for her worldbuilding and intellectual opinion, Joan Didion had a morning routine quite unlike Oprah's.

She notably started each day with a crisp Coco-Cola, and famously snacked on salted almonds while smoking cigarettes.

When it came to writing, she spent "most of the day working on a piece not actually putting anything on paper, just sitting there, trying to form a coherent idea and then maybe something will come to me about five in the afternoon and then I’ll work for a couple of hours and get three or four sentences, maybe a paragraph," according to a 2005 interview with The Guardian.

Shen then spent an hour before dinner reviewing her work and prepping it for the next day.

"The most important is that I need an hour alone before dinner, with a drink, to go over what I’ve done that day," said Didion in a 1978 conversation with The Paris Review.

"I can’t do it late in the afternoon because I’m too close to it. Also, the drink helps. It removes me from the pages. So I spend this hour taking things out and putting other things in.

She continued: "Then I start the next day by redoing all of what I did the day before, following these evening notes."

Didion passed away in December 2021 at the age of 87. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts by former President Barack Obama in 2013 and is remembered as a pioneer of modern journalism.

During the lull of late winter (I'm looking at you, February), we need small joys to keep our spirits high. For me, those joys are almost always food-related—a beloved green ice cream treat that makes its triumphant return each year (you know the one), the first wave of pastel-wrapped spring candy lining store shelves, or a brightly decorated Mardi Gras cake that brings a burst of color to gray days. However fleeting, these seasonal indulgences give us something to anticipate, a reason to gather and a delicious reminder that a new season is just around the corner.

When the days are still short, and the air still bites, sometimes it's the simplest rituals—a familiar flavor, a nostalgic dessert, a limited-time favorite—that carry us through. Even if it's not something seasonal or holiday-related, we can still look forward to it. That's why the Aldi Finds section is on fire each week. They know exactly what we need and when we need it. And if that just so happens to be a collaboration with an iconic restaurant chain, so be it.

😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔

Aldi is Selling Red Lobster's Frozen Seafood and Fish Products This Week

Aldi

This week, Aldi is bringing back some Red Lobster frozen favorites, notably the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Shrimp and Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cod. Each biscuit-coated piece of seafood and fish is "bursting" with cheddar bay biscuit seasonings like garlic, onion, parsley, buttermilk and cheese; a classic combination we simply cannot turn down.

The iconic cheddar bay biscuits are the kind of comfort food that inspires genuine enthusiasm. Golden, fluffy and loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, they're crafted to be tender and melt-in-your-mouth with a lightly crisp exterior. What makes them truly special is the buttery garlic-herb topping—a fragrant, savory brush of flavor that turns a simple biscuit into something divine.

This eating experience has become one of the main reasons diners return to Red Lobster again and again—now imagine that same experience wrapped around perfectly cooked juicy shrimp and flaky white fish.

Related: 11 'Healthy' Snacks From the 2000s That Were Actually Just Sugar

What Are Fans Saying About the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Cod and Shrimp?

Aldi

While a few other retailers carry frozen Red Lobster products, when Aldi dropped it into their lineup last year, fans went wild for it. "It is excellent and reasonably priced. We love it," said one person. "It's amazing," exclaimed one more. "I just bought it tonight. I just already know it's gonna be good!!" one other person commented, while another claimed it's "so crunchy!"

A food reviewer on YouTube dove into a first-time taste test of the cod—and didn't hold back. On the plus side, the breaded fillets were impressively large, and the fish itself tasted fresher and higher quality than what many competitors are serving up.

However, the breading, which promised those iconic cheddar bay biscuit vibes, delivered only a hint of that buttery, cheesy magic. Even more surprising, the texture wasn't quite what they'd expect from a Red Lobster creation. Still, it wasn't a total shipwreck in their eyes. "If these were on sale, though, I'd buy them in a heartbeat," they admitted—proving that with the right price, this cod could definitely reel them back in. I think it's still worth a try, given the mixed reviews.

Price and Release Date for Red Lobster Frozen Products at Aldi

Both varieties can be prepared in a conventional oven or an air fryer, bringing a restaurant-style meal to the table in no time. I imagine this paired with an easy rice dish and a green salad would be satisfying and filling at nearly a fraction of the cost of dining out—and all of which can be purchased at Aldi. The 11.6-ounce box of cod and the 10-ounce box of shrimp are both selling for $6.99.

They'll be available starting Wednesday, Feb. 18, and, like all Aldi Finds, will only be available for a limited time. If you're a Red Lobster fan, I encourage you to arrive at your local store in a jiffy this week if you want to get your hands on a couple of boxes. It'll make for a quick, easy and nostalgic dinner at the very least.

Related: 10 Canceled Food Network Shows We Still Miss (and Why They Ended)

WithThe Simpsonshaving only just released its historic 800th episode on Fox, many are pondering the future of the series after 36 years on mainstream television.

While some might understandably wonder whether a long-awaited series' finale is currently in the cards for The Simpsons, series showrunner Matt Selman is waving away any possibility of an official ending for the show.

In a new interview with The Wrap, the 54-year-old Selman shut down any rumors of a series' finale for The Simpsons, pointing to a relatively recent episode that came filled with references and homages to the show's ecletic past.

"We did an episode about a year and a half ago that was like a parody of the series finale," Selman said. "We jammed every possible series finale concept into one show, so that was sort of my way of saying we're never going to do a series finale."

Selman's comments go hand-in-hand with his earlier statements regarding the end of The Simpsons. In an interview withThe New York Post, Selman plainly said, "The show isn't meant to end."

"To do a sappy crappo series finale, like most other shows do, would be so lame," the showrunner continued. "So we just did one that was, like, over the top."

While most shows typically deliver an emotional farewell to their various characters, Selman said he hoped The Simpsons would end with a standard episode, free from any bittersweet feelings or sentimental goodbye.

"If the show ever did end, there's no finale — it would just be a regular episode that has the family in it," Selman told The Wrap. "Probably a little Easter egg here and there, but no 'I'm going to miss this place.'" 

"The show isn't supposed to change," he went on to say. "The characters reset every week. It's likeGroundhog Day, but they don't know it — and they don't die that much."

Most of the Love Is Blind Season 10 couples seem to be off to a good start, but fans believe that Chris Fusco and Jessica Barrett might have some drama in their future.

Jessica, 39, and Chris, 33, hit it off early on in the pods. Her job as an infectious diseases doctor took a toll on her during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Chris offered the security and safety she craved. However, the two were open about their differences. While Chris is very into fitness, Jessica admitted she wasn’t “a gym rat.” Instead, she explained that she focused on activism and political beliefs.

RELATED: Who Got Engaged in ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10? Meet the Couples

Fans think that one detail might be their downfall.

“In Episode 5 there's a quick scene where Jessica says her "strong political views" are really important to her and she gets sad because of what she sees on Instagram. Chris says he appreciates that she's passionate but neither of them say what they believe in,” wrote one Reddit user. "He also limited his comments immediately. He has Love Is Blind S10 in his bio now, but that wasn't there when I looked a couple days ago."

A quick glance at their Instagram profiles showed that Jessica seemingly leans left and follows accounts like ICEwatch and the ACLU while Chris is apparently more conservative. He follows right-leaning accounts like LibsofTikTok, President Donald Trump and more.

Netflix

Fans also noticed that Chris never posted his official Love Is Blind profile picture and the only fellow cast member he follows is Clay Gravesande from Season 6. With all of that information combined, some viewers think that Chris and Jessica have already split and that there might be some potential drama brewing with him and the show.

“We also saw in the previews for next weeks drop him telling Bri that her and Connor aren’t a good fit and he’s too submissive for her,” one person wrote in the comments section of the post on Reddit. “The mess is coming.”

Another added, “How are you engaged to Jessica when you follow libsoftiktok? Jessica is the exact kind of person libsoftiktok would harass to the ends of the earth. Something ain't adding up here.”

RELATED: When Does the Rest of ‘Love is Blind’ Come Out? Season 10 Release Schedule and How to Watch

As of now, viewers have yet to see whether Chris and Jessica make it in the long run, but it appears that they might be headed for a breakup. Fans will have to wait and see how their relationship pans out when the next episodes of Love Is Blind Season 10 premiere on Wednesday, February 18, on Netflix.