Whatever it takes, we know we can spot a Degrassi alum in any TV show—which is why were delighted to see two fan-favorites in Ginny & Georgia, Netflix’s latest hit series.
Billed as the successor to Gilmore Girls, the small-town dramedy follows a sarcastic single mother Georgia (Brianne Howey) and her even more sarcastic teen daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) as they try to start over in Wellsbury, Mass. Helping them to do so? Two former Degrassi stars!
Best known as poor little rich girl Frankie in the iconic Canadian teen drama’s final seasons, Sara Waisglass steals every scene she’s in as Ginny’s new friend Max, while none other than Raymond Ablack, who played sweet and sensitive Sav for four years, is basically the Internet’s new boyfriend, thanks to his turn as café owner Joe. You truly love to see it.
Of course, after seeing the two former Degrassi Community School back on our screens, we had to check in with the cast of The Next Generation, including Nina Dobrev, Lauren Collins, Jake Epstein, Miriam McDonald and, of course, Drake.
Missing the OGs on The Challenge: Double Agents? You’re in luck! MTV’s franchise is heading to Paramount+ later this year!
Paramount+ and MTV Entertainment Studios revealed on Wednesday, February 25, that the show will feature 22 of the boldest competitors of all time from the original Real World and Road Rules after years on the sidelines. In the new teaser, six cast members’ names are sketched into the helmet.
“All have history, but when relationships are the key to survival, will these legends be able to form new bonds or will their past lead to their demise?” the logline asks. “With $500,000 and their legacies on the line, which of these All Stars will prove they are still the best of the best?”
Mark Long, who hasn’t appeared on the show since 2012, first pitched the idea of an “OG” season on Twitter in June 2020. After his tweet went viral, he started reaching out to past castmates and eventually, pitched the idea to production company Bunim & Murray.
“I want to take it back to where it was fun. It was light-hearted but still competitive. Is there some drama? I’m sure there will be but what I think will be super special about something like this is being able to almost capture the Where Are They Now? type of feel like when they introduce characters on the first episode. Let’s dig in. Let’s see what they’ve been up to the first the last five, 10, 20 years,” Long, 49, told UsWeekly exclusively in July 2020. “So you also get that nostalgic feel of not only what they’ve been up to, but also, are they ready to put on that Speedo and melt some ice with their assets? I think a blend of that would be phenomenal.”
In August 2020, Usconfirmed that Bunim Murray was on board. “We are excited about the OG movement Mark has created and look forward to collaborating with Mark to reimagine a competition format that can utilize talent from past BMP series,” Julie Pizzi, president of entertainment and development at the studio, said in a statement at the time.
Additionally, the streaming service announced the return of Road Rules, which last aired on MTV in 2007.
So, who’s returning? Scroll through the gallery below, which will be updated as more cast members are revealed:
The original series focused on such powerful female characters as Blake Lively‘s Serena van der Woodsen and Leighton Meester‘s Blair Waldorf. And while the new cast members couldn’t offer too much about their own characters, they remain confident that the updated version continues that legacy.
“Gender roles will be talked about and dissected,” Emily revealed. “A lot of the women in our show are very powerful, but I think they were in the original as well. We’ll be exploring what it means to be a woman in this generation, and in general, exploring ideas that we didn’t before.”
As far as whether there’s pressure in being compared to the original, the new cast members sounded confident that viewers will appreciate the updated series for what it is.
“We realized we could take these roles and make them our own—they have their own qualities that are special and differentiate [them] from the original,” Emily said. “I think people will relate to them on different levels.”
“I think Emily really hit the nail on the head,” Jordan added. “We’re just keeping an open mind, staying true to the essence of Gossip Girl but with a completely different take on it.”
After her breakout performance in Step Up and Cheaper by the Dozen as the sports-loving Sarah, and her recurring role on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Stoner took on the part of aspiring producer and dancer Caitlyn Gellar in the hit Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock and its sequel.
Aside from returning for two Step Up follow-up films, Stoner has also voiced characters in the Kingdom Heart video game franchise for almost a decade, as well as Isabella on Disney’s hit animated series Phineas & Ferb.
The 27-year-old penned an essay for Teen Vogue in 2018, opening up about her sexuality and her experience falling in love with a woman—her dance instructor. Stoner also released a single, “When It’s Right,” inspired by the relationship.
She told E! News not long afterwards that coming out was “a little bit scary” but the risk was worth it. She said, “What matters most is that it’s a really exciting, fresh time for me to feel more myself than ever.”
In 2019, Stoner debuted her shaved head in her “Stripped Bare” music video, and later opened up about her previous mental health struggles and overcoming an eating disorder.
“Shaving my head is an act of mental health and confidence, not self-destruction,” she told People. “I can’t tell you how many beliefs and opinions and insecurities fell to the floor with every tuft of hair, and I’m leaving them there.”
Although The Real Housewives of New Jerseycast always brings the drama, this season is getting personal. With changes in families, marriage struggles and more, the cast opens up exclusively with Us Weekly in the latest issue, on newsstands now.
Teresa Giudice may have had the most ups and downs over the past few years, but she’s finally in a good place, she tells Us.
“I am always excited to start new chapters in my life, whether that be in business or with my personal life,” Teresa, 48, says. “Right now, the chapter I’m in feels really good and I am looking forward to it playing out on the show.”
The reality star is currently in a good spot with her new boyfriend, Luis Ruelas, five months after her divorce from Joe Giudice was finalized. The exes announced their split in December 2019 after 20 years of marriage. They share four daughters, Gia, 20, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 11.
“My girls are so strong and resilient, and they have always been good at adapting to changes, which is something I feel is very important because life is very unpredictable,” she tells Us.
The Turning the Tables author, however, will have a bit of drama with her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga. In the promo for the season, Melissa, 41, snaps at Teresa, after the topic of Joe comes up in interviews.
“I’m going to be very honest right now. You’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t and I’m going to don’t from now on. I am done,” Melissa said on Us’ “Getting Real with the Housewives” podcast on Friday, February 12. “It’s like when I’m doing the right thing, and you will see, I’m literally sticking up for her, we did it wrong. So, guess what? To each their own. I’m done sticking up for anyone.”
So, what other spats will occur this season? The cast spills all with Us below:
Real Housewives of New Jersey debuts on Bravo Wednesday, February 17, at 9 p.m. ET.
What the movie is about:Martha Marcy May Marlene follows Martha, a young woman who tries to reconnect with her family and the world after fleeing an abusive cult. Elizabeth plays Martha alongside Sarah Paulson, who plays Lucy, Martha’s sister. This is Elizabeth’s first major movie role and she absolutely crushes it. Her work in Martha Marcy May Marlene earned Elizabeth a 2011 Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actress.
What the movie is about:A Knight’s Tale follows William Thatcher, a squire who creates a new identity for himself as a knight. The film explores William’s rise to fame as he wins tournaments alongside his friends. Paul stars as Geoffrey Chaucer, who is portrayed as a writer and ring announcer.
What the movie is about:Dear White People follows Samantha White and three other Black students at Winchester University, a prestigious and predominantly white school. The series was later adapted into a Netflix series of the same name too. Teyonah gave a breakthrough performance as Collandrea “Coco” Conners alongside Tyler James Williams and Tessa Thompson.
What the show is about:Mrs. Fletcher follows Eve Fletcher, a recently divorced mom who is going through a mid-life crisis. After her son goes off to college, Eve has a sexual reawakening and searches for the sex life she missed out on in her younger years. Kathryn is absolutely brilliant as Eve and I highly recommend this underrated series.
What the movie is about: Written by Randall Park, Ali Wong, and Michael Golamco, Always Be My Maybe follows Sasha and Marcus, two childhood best friends who reconnect after Sasha returns to San Francisco to open a restaurant. Randall stars as Marcus opposite Ali Wong as Sasha and it’s truly one of the best rom-com pairings in recent years.
What the show is about:2 Broke Girls follows the lives of Max and Caroline, two BFFs who work at a local diner in Brooklyn. The duo are attempting to raise enough money to start their own successful cupcake business. Kat starred as Max opposite Beth Behrs as Caroline during the show’s entire six season run.
What the show is about: This beloved TV series follows Buffy Summers, the latest in a line of Slayers or “Chosen Ones” who are tasked with saving the world and fighting vampires, demons, and other forces of darkness. Emma joined the series during Season 3 as Anya, a former vengeance demon who joins the Scooby Gang.
What the movie is about:Ingrid Goes West follows Ingrid, a woman obsessed with social media who moves to Los Angeles and tries to become friends with Taylor, a social media influencer who seemingly has the perfect life. Elizabeth stars as Taylor alongside Aubrey Plaza in this truly iconic movie.
What the movie is about: Written, directed, and starring Josh Radnor, Liberal Arts tells the story of Jesse, a college admissions officer who returns to his alma mater and falls for Zibby, a college student. Elizabeth stars as, you guessed it, Zibby.
What the movie is about: Directed by Barry Jenkins and based on James Baldwin’s novel, If Beale Street Could Talk follows Tish as she recalls everything that has connected her to her fiancé Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt. Friends since childhood, Tish and Fonny dream of their future together, however their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Teyonah stars as Ernestine, Tish’s sister, opposite Stephan James, KiKi Layne, Regina King, Colman Domingo, Brian Tyree Henry, and many more.
What the movie is about: This absolutely brilliant and breathtaking movie follows Miles Morales, who becomes the Spider-Man of his universe. Soon, Miles is joined by five other spider-powered individuals from other dimensions as they fight to save their worlds. Kathryn voices Olivia Octavius/Doctor Octopus, who is the head scientist and CEO of Alchemax.
What the show is about: One of the most beloved comedy TV shows in recent years, Parks and Rec follows Leslie Knope and her co-workers at the Pawnee, Indiana parks and recreation department as they try to make their town a better place. Kathryn appeared as Jennifer Barkley, a campaign manager who is brought in to help Bobby Newport win the city council election against Leslie Knope, in 11 episodes through the show’s run.
What the show is about: This hilarious sitcom follows is loosely based on food personality Eddie Huang’s life and follows a Taiwanese-American family who lives in Florida during the 1990s. Randall starred as Louis Huang, Eddie’s father, for all six seasons of this hit comedy.
What the movie is about: A reboot of the iconic Godzilla franchise, this film follows Ford Brody, a solider who attempts to return to his family but ends up getting caught in a battle between monstrous creatures, like Godzilla. This movie is kind of hilarious to watch if you’ve come to love Elizabeth and Aaron Taylor Johnson as Wanda and Pietro Maximoff in the MCU because in Godzilla they play husband and wife.
What the movie is about:I Saw The Light tells the story of country music legend Hank Williams. The movie follows Hank from his rise to fame to his sudden death at just 29 years old. It also details his marriage to Audrey Sheppard and his struggle with alcoholism. Elizabeth stars as Audrey Sheppard Williams opposite fellow MCU star Tom Hiddleston as Hank. If you’ve ever wanted to hear Elizabeth sing, this is the movie for you.
What the movie is about:Wind River follows Cory Lambert, a US Fish and Wildlife Service agent who helps Jane Banner, a rookie FBI agent, investigate a murder of a young woman in Wyoming. Elizabeth stars as Jane opposite fellow MCU star Jeremy Renner.
What the movie is about:A Beautiful Mind follows John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who accepts a job in cryptography in order to help crack encrypted communications. Paul stars as Charles Herman alongside Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, and Christopher Plummer. A Beautiful Mind is the film where Jennifer and Paul first met and eventually they got married in 2003.
What the movie is about: Directed and written by Spike Lee, Chi-Raq is a modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play Lysistrata. The movie follows a group of women who withhold sex until the men in Chicago’s Southside stop fighting. Teyonah stars as Lysistrata opposite Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, Samuel L. Jackson, and many more.
What the movie is about: This classic rom-com follows Benjamin Barry, an advertising executive who bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in only 10 days. Meanwhile, Andie Anderson, a magazine writer is inspired to write a new article titled “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Kathryn stars as Micelle, Andie’s best friend who experiences another break up and inspires Andie to write her article.
What the show is about:Dollface follows Jules Wiley, who has recently broken up with her longtime boyfriend. Now, single for the first time in years, Jules tries to reconnect with the BFFs she fell out of touch with during her relationship. Kat stars as Jules alongside Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, Esther Povitsky, and more.
What the show is about:Sorry For Your Loss follows Leigh, a writer who is dealing with the unexpected loss of her husband. The show brilliantly tackles grief as Leigh struggles to move on and come to terms with her husband’s death. Elizabeth was also an executive producer on the series and starred as Leigh opposite Kelly Marie Tran, Jovan Adepo, Mamoudou Athie, and Janet McTeer.
What the show is about: This Emmy Award-winning comedy follows Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States, and her team as they try to make a lasting impression and leave their mark. Randall appeared as Governor Danny Chung, a presidential candidate who ran against Selina, in 13 episodes throughout the show’s run.
What the show is about: Based on the novel of the same name, the limited series follows the lives of identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey. I Know This Much Is True explores the family’s stories of betrayal, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Kathryn starred as Dessa Constantine, Dominick’s ex-wife, opposite Mark Ruffalo, Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Rosie O’Donnell, and more.
What the movie is about:Wimbledon follows Peter Colt, a pro tennis player who has lost all of his ambition and has fallen in the ranks. Suddenly, he meets an up-and-coming women’s tennis player who helps him recapture his love for the game. Paul stars as Peter opposite Kirsten Dunst as Lizzie Bradbury.
What the movie is about:Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist tells the story of teenagers Nick and Norah, who meet after Norah asks Nick to pretend to be her boyfriend one night. Over the course of the night, the duo try to find their favorite band’s secret show and search for Norah’s BFF. Kat stars as Norah opposite Michael Cera as Nick.
What the show is about: This critically-acclaimed series follows Don Draper and his associates at Sterling Cooper, an advertising agency, in the 1960s. Teyonah appeared in 22 episodes of the series as Dawn Chambers, Don’s secretary during Season 5 who befriends Peggy and is one of the first Black employees at Sterling Cooper.
What the show is about: Based on the classic novel Thérèse Raquin, In Secret tells the story of Thérèse Raquin, a beautiful young woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage after her aunt insists she marries following their move to Paris. Elizabeth stars as Thérèse opposite Oscar Isaac, Tom Felton, and Jessica Lange.
What the movie is about: Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, The Secret Life of Bees follows Lily Owens, a teenager who runs away and searches for the truth about her mother. Along the way, she finds a group of women who connect to her mother’s past. Paul appears as Lily’s father alongside Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo.
What the movie is about: Starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, The Photograph follows Mae, a famous photographer who falls in love with Michael, a journalist who is investigating his mother’s life. Teyonah appears as Asia, Michael’s sister-in-law who is married to Kyle, played by Lil Rel Howery.
What the movie is about: This hilarious comedy follows Amy, Kiki, and Carla, three moms who are feelings overworked and under-appreciated. The three of them decide to ditch their conventions responsibilities and have some fun. Kathryn appears as Carla opposite Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell as Amy and Kiki respectively.
What the movie is about:Solo: A Star Wars Story follows Han Solo’s adventures alongside Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian before he met up with Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy. Paul appears as Dryden Vos, a ruthless crime lord who has a history with Tobias Beckett.
What the show is about:Empire follows Lucious Lyon, Cookie Lyon, and their family as they build their hip hop music empire and entertainment company Empire Entertainment. Teyonah appeared during Season 6 as Detective Pamela Rose, Andre’s mysterious new girlfriend.
And of course, the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.
Marvel
WandaVision star to look out for: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kat Dennings, and Randall Park
Which movies to watch:Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame.
Obviously, this isn’t everything the cast has been in. So if you have another favorite role from one of these great actors, tell us in the comments below!
TV and Movies
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When the Jersey Shore Family Vacation star recently joined Us Weekly virtually to discuss the new season along with wife Lauren Pesce, he was asked to spill dirt on his many costars. The New York native, 38, gave some surprising intel on his castmates — including who he believes is the most “freaky” of the bunch.
“Vinny [Guadagnino] is an introvert, which I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing. But he’s also an intellectual,” he said. “He is super — what’s the word. I guess the nicest way about it [is that] he’s probably the freakiest one of the squad.”
Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino.Scott Roth/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Mike then revealed that Ronnie Ortiz-Magro “cries too much,” adding, “He also has a very big heart and he’s actually very good at his job when he tries.”
While the Dancing With the Stars alum believes that Deena Cortese is “too sensitive” sometimes, he raved about her “awesome” parenting abilities and how she and her husband Chris Buckner are “couple’s goals.” He noted, “They have a great relationship and I love that, because relationships are not easy. Anyone that has a good relationship with good communication and things like that, it’s something to be envied about,” he shared.
Mike said that Jenni “JWoww” Farley is both “very mentally tough” and “a great businesswoman.” However, he said that it’s of great importance to ensure you remain on good terms with her.
“The only bad thing about Jenni is you don’t want to be on her bad side. You don’t want to be on the opposite end of that backhand,” he explained, referencing the one time she slapped him years ago during a disagreement that aired on Jersey Shore. “We have a great relationship and she’s actually my neighbor. She lives right down the road [from me and my wife].”
Mike also shared a sweet tidbit about Lauren, 36, saying, “The good thing about my wife is she is my better half and she makes me strive to be better. Anytime you’re in a relationship with someone that makes you a better person, that’s where you want to be.”
The first half of Jersey Shore Family Vacation’s 4th season premiered on MTV in November 2020. The stars filmed the MTV series amid the coronavirus pandemic — a factor that Mike explained was relatively challenging.
“It was very difficult filming that particular season of Jersey Shore Family Vacation with COVID, with the precautions, with the restrictions,” he said while teasing how the cast is “filming right now, too, sporadically.”
For more on what Mike had to say about his Jersey Shore castmates, check out Us Weekly’s video above!
Jersey Shore Family Vacation airs on MTV Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
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During the Thursday, February 4, premiere, fans met Ciara Miller,who has a past with Luke Gulbranson. Ciara’s addition comes as a surprise to Hannah Berner, who hooked up with Luke during season 4.
“I was feeling so many emotions [when Ciara showed up] because I knew I was locked in a house for the next six weeks,” the comedian, 29, exclusively told Us Weekly. “I wasn’t mentally prepared for it, especially ‘cause he wasn’t giving me those kinds of signals up until that point.”
While Hannah concluded that her relationship with Luke, 36, was “a summer romance that got a little more complicated” than she wanted, he denied that their relationship was more than a fling.
“Hannah and I were friends [after season 4]. … We were very close friends, and we share a lot of things with each other. We talk a lot,” he told Us. “Maybe she thought it was something else, but I was under the impression that Hannah actually was seeing somebody and had been seeing people. And I was just treating her like a friend like I always had.”
Hannah Berner, Ciara Miller, Danielle Olivera and Luke Gulbranson.Jeff Tan/Bravo (4)
During the premiere, fans also learned Danielle Olivera and Luke hooked up in between seasons 4 and 5.
“It didn’t happen exactly how Hannah thinks it happened. She has one version, and then there’s the truth that hopefully comes out in the episodes to follow,” Danielle, 29, told Us. “Luke and I have such a good friendship, and to be very honest, I’m the one who kind of crossed the line at one point.”
Carl Radke, for his part, told Us that he saw the fallout from Luke and Danielle’s hookup coming leading up to the summer.
“We hadn’t seen each other. We’re a family. We all do care about each other. I think sometimes, you know, we’re not all privy to what exactly is going on with everybody’s relationships from a 10,000-foot view,” the former dental salesman, 36, said. “And what I know of Luke and Hannah, I never thought that they were dating. I know that Luke talked to her a lot. I know they were friends. Now, I understand how his behavior might say some otherwise.”
Carl, who dated Danielle pre-show, added that he knows “firsthand” that she just “likes to make out.”
“I think there were some underlying things that maybe bubbled over and the makeout was kind of the excuse to get mad about it,” he concluded.
Summer House airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
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Heading back to Middle-earth! Author J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy series The Lord of the Rings made its big screen debut in 2001 with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — and the rest is history.
Like Tolkien’s books, the early aughts film followed a hobbit named Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he embarks upon a journey with others to destroy the One Ring. By doing so, he will help to save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.
After the Peter Jackson-directed film went on to garner more than $888 million worldwide, two final installments followed: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).
“I think what sticks in my mind is largely what’s loomed in my mind since we finished, which is just the experience of having made it. Being in New Zealand,” Woods told Cinema Blend in 2016 of his experience working on the film series. “The two months of prep before we started shooting when we got to know each other, and had this buzz of excitement about the adventure we were going on. We knew it would be special, but we didn’t know what was right around the next bend.”
The franchise won 17 of the 30 Academy Award nominations it nabbed. The Return of the King won all 11 nods it received, including Best Picture — a major achievement that allowed it to become the first fantasy film to succeed in that category.
Jackson went on to direct a prequel trilogy series between 2012 and 2014 based on The Hobbit, Tolkien’s children’s book that was the predecessor to Lord of the Rings. Many of the franchise’s original stars returned to reprise their roles.
A Lord of the Rings TV series is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. In July 2020, Wood told IndieWire that he is “super fascinated” by the project and would “absolutely” cameo if asked.
“If there was a world where that made sense and was organic to what they’re doing, then yes,” he said at the time. “Look, any excuse to get to go to New Zealand to work on something, I am absolutely there.”
It’s safe to say that Netflix‘s latest reality series, which dropped on Jan. 15, has captured our attention thanks to the immense wealth showcased. We’re talking rich people problems we’ve only ever been able to dream about!
As the streaming site described it, “Bling Empire follows a wildly wealthy group of Asian and Asian American friends (and frenemies) in Los Angeles. While their days and nights are filled with fabulous parties and expensive shopping sprees, don’t let the glitz and glamour fool you. Between running multi-billion dollar businesses and traveling the world, these friends are as good at keeping secrets as they are at spilling them. And there is certainly no shortage of secrets.“
And, boy, did they deliver.
In the pilot episode alone, heiress Anna Shay flew pal Kelly Mi Li and her boyfriend Andrew to Paris for a birthday lunch. Oh, and then there was Christine Chiu, who contemplated buying a Ducati in preparation for the apocalypse.
