The dusty streets of Loch Iris  are about to get a whole lot darker. Mystery Road: Origin  returns with its highly anticipated Season 2 premiere  on Acorn TV  and AMC+  on Monday, March 23, and fans of Australian crime drama are already sharpening their magnifying glasses. The six-episode series promises a slow-burn mystery, deadly secrets, and more twists than a crooked outback road. Picking up after the events of Season 1, Mark Cole Smith  steps back into the dusty boots of young Detective Jay Swan, still carrying the emotional baggage that made him impossible to ignore last season. This time, he and his wife Mary (Tuuli Narkle) relocate to Loch Iris, a sleepy town that promises a “fresh start” but delivers anything but. Within the first hour, it’s clear that Loch Iris holds decades-old secrets, unsolved disappearances, and more sinister twists than a soap opera cliffhanger, perfect fodder for fans of taut, slow-burning suspense. The returning cast shines in Season 2. Alongside Smith, Clarence Ryan  reprises his role, supported by a strong ensemble including Robyn Malcolm, Luke Carroll, Aswan Reid, Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Geoff Morrell , and more. The chemistry between the cast is palpable, and director Wayne Blair  and Jub Clerc  keep the tension high while letting the outback scenery breathe as much menace as it does beauty. Produced by Bunya Productions  with backing from Screen Australia , Screen West , and the Western Australian Screen Fund , the series continues to highlight Indigenous talent both in front of and behind the camera. It’s authentic, gripping, and occasionally brutal, exactly what you want when the sun sets over an eerily quiet Australian town. Whether you’re a die-hard Jay Swan fan or just here for the slow-burn crime drama vibes, Mystery Road: Origin Season 2  promises suspense, secrets, and small-town drama that will keep you guessing and probably Googling, until the final credits roll. Tune in Mondays on Acorn TV  and AMC+  and prepare for another ride down the dust-choked roads of mystery.

Puzzlers Party A group of crossword puzzlers gathers at a lively party sponsored by the Metropolitan Tribune , enjoying conversations about challenging clues and patterns that have stumped them over the years. They are all in town for the National Crossword Tournament, and the excitement is clear. Simon Craigie arrives and immediately begins criticizing the group, claiming they are not keeping puzzles relevant. His puzzler friends quickly notice he seems different than usual. Awkwardly trying to impress Elaine McClusk, a fellow puzzler who has just arrived, Simon’s attraction to her becomes obvious. Elaine tells everyone it’s going to be a fun week before walking away, leaving Simon watching her across the room as she laughs with another puzzler, daydreaming about the two of them together. Crossword Puzzling Tournament The competitors move into another room where the tournament begins, complete with a live sportscaster giving commentary about the event. Simon finishes his puzzle first and raises his hand, drawing attention from the other competitors as the round comes to an end. During a coffee break, Elaine mentions that Morris Long, the tournament sponsor and crossword editor for the Metropolitan Tribune , asked her out to dinner. Simon immediately considers this an abuse of power, but Elaine says she doesn’t mind and would like to get to know Morris better. Simon confronts Morris about the situation, accusing him of acting unethically by asking a competitor out while sponsoring the tournament. Morris dismisses the accusation and tells Simon it’s none of his business. He reminds Simon that there are rules about harassing judges and adds fifteen seconds to Simon’s puzzle time as a penalty. Furious, Simon demands that Morris stay away from Elaine, prompting Morris to remove Simon’s name tag, permanently disqualify him, and throw him out of the competition. In a moment of rage, Simon grabs a National Crossword Tournament swag bag and smothers Morris with it, committing the murder while the rest of the tournament continues just down the hall. He quickly sends Marjorie a message from Morris’ tablet claiming Morris is ill, then leaves the suite and returns to the competition unnoticed. Later, Simon returns to Morris’ room, fills the bathtub with ice, and places Morris’ body inside. Covering His Tracks The tournament continues as if nothing has happened, and the semifinalists are announced for the following weekend, with both Simon and Elaine among them. Still daydreaming about a future with Elaine, Simon begins covering his tracks. He packs Morris’ body into a large trunk and drives to Stillford, New York, continuing to communicate with Marjorie using Morris’ devices, claiming Morris is recovering from an illness in the woods and will return the following week. Simon even edits the weekend crossword puzzle himself to maintain the illusion that Morris is still alive. Body Discovered in the Woods Late one night, a woman searching for her pet in the woods stumbles upon Morris’ body and screams. The case quickly lands at the NYPD, where Captain Wagner, Elsbeth, Detective Samantha Edwards, and a deputy from Stillford discuss the homicide. The Stillford Medical Examiner confirms that Morris died from asphyxiation approximately six days earlier, likely at the Pendleton Hotel , where he had been staying during the tournament. With no fingerprints or obvious evidence, Captain Wagner assigns the case to Detective Edwards and asks Elsbeth to assist. Elsbeth hesitates when she learns the case involves crossword puzzles, admitting she once became so obsessed with them that she had to distance herself. These days, she says Wordle  is enough for her. Wagner believes her knowledge could be useful and assures her she probably won’t even encounter a crossword puzzle, which puts Elsbeth somewhat at ease. Puzzle Editor Murder Investigation Begins The investigation begins at the hotel, which turns out to be a paradise for crossword fans. Everywhere Elsbeth and Detective Edwards look, they find displays celebrating crossword culture. They meet Marjorie Lee, chairman of the Metropolitan Tribune , who now oversees the tournament. She is shocked to learn that Morris was murdered. According to her, Morris had never missed a tournament in 27 years. Marjorie also finds it strange that Morris had been staying at a rental property upstate when he owns a place in the Poconos. Elsbeth and Detective Edwards begin interviewing the top solvers. They learn that Morris had recently updated the crossword puzzles to include modern slang, internet language, and references to younger music. Some longtime puzzlers resented the changes and even sent Morris hate mail. Several competitors mention Simon Craigie, who had openly complained about the puzzle changes. Simon was once a concert pianist and now works as a piano tuner. When questioned, Simon cooperates but quickly excuses himself to prepare for the semifinals. Pictured (L-R): Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Steve Buscemi as Simon Craigie Photo: Michael Parmelee/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Elsbeth’s Puzzle Instincts Return While searching Morris’ suite, Elsbeth begins noticing details that don’t quite add up. As she studies Morris’ recent crossword puzzles, her old puzzle-solving instincts resurface. Something about the latest weekend puzzle feels off; the style seems older and less modern than Morris’ recent work. Elsbeth and Detective Edwards conduct another round of interviews, showing the competitors the puzzle to gauge their reactions. Nearly everyone notices that it doesn’t match Morris’ recent style everyone except Simon. Case Solving: Exact Change Clue As the investigation continues, the clues begin fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. Trudy, one of the competitors, provides information that eliminates herself as a suspect while also raising more suspicion about Simon. Elsbeth and Detective Edwards review hotel security footage with the help of an officer and gather the final pieces of evidence. The key clue comes from something Simon casually mentioned earlier— “exact change” —which suddenly triggers Elsbeth’s realization about how the murder was committed and how Simon carefully manipulated Morris’ messages and puzzles afterward. Just as Simon prepares to solve the final puzzle in the tournament, Elsbeth and Detective Edwards step in to confront him with the evidence they have pieced together. Simon is exposed, and Elaine replaces him in the final round, ultimately winning the tournament. She happily notes that the modern references in the puzzles helped her solve them with her kids. A Different Kind of Puzzle Later, Elsbeth meets Teddy, Roy, and Alec Bloom for dinner. The evening starts pleasantly, but something Alec says catches Elsbeth’s attention: an E.T. reference  that doesn’t add up. Since Alec isn’t suffering from early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, Elsbeth realizes the mistake must have been intentional, raising troubling questions about his honesty. Teddy still doesn’t understand what his mother sees in Alec, and Elsbeth advises him to always trust his instincts. It’s a sad moment for Elsbeth, who seemed to be falling for Alec. “Murder Six Across” is a cleverly structured episode that mirrors the nature of a crossword puzzle itself, with carefully layered clues leading to a satisfying solution. Carrie Preston continues to shine as Elsbeth, and Steve Buscemi plays Simon to perfection. The episode also deepens the mystery surrounding Alec Bloom, suggesting that Elsbeth’s love story may not have the happy ending she hoped for. On a brighter note, Elsbeth’s colorful outfits remain a highlight, with her vibrant hats and bags continuing to stand out. This was a well-done, methodical episode that pieced together its clues beautifully. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Your couch has a packed schedule tonight. From reality competitions and drama-filled returns to fascinating documentaries and buzzy streaming drops, TV is working overtime this Friday. Whether you’re binge-watching at 3 a.m. or settling in for primetime chaos, here’s everything worth adding to your watchlist today. 🌙 Streaming Drops & Overnight Premieres (3:00 AM ET) Dreaming Whilst Black  — Paramount+ Kwabena is pulling out all the stops in an attempt to win Vanessa back. The plan? An elaborate date that could either fix everything or make things infinitely more awkward. Expect heartfelt moments mixed with the show’s signature uncomfortable humor as Kwabena navigates romance, ambition, and his very messy life. Dynasty: The Murdochs  — Netflix (Four-Episode Binge) The real-life media empire drama gets the docuseries treatment. This four-part binge dives into the power struggles inside Rupert Murdoch’s family as his children battle over who will ultimately control the global media machine. Corporate intrigue, family rivalry, and massive stakes make this a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the world behind the headlines. The Great British Baking Show: Juniors  — The Roku Channel (Season 8, 15-Episode Binge) The youngest bakers in the tent are back and ready to impress. Season 8 brings a fresh batch of talented kids competing through creative baking challenges that test their skill, patience, and decorating flair. Expect impressive desserts, supportive vibes, and more sugar than your pantry can handle. It’s Dorothy!  — Peacock (New to Streaming) The beloved heroine from The Wizard of Oz  takes center stage in this documentary celebrating Dorothy Gale’s lasting pop-culture legacy. Through interviews, archival footage, and cultural commentary, the film explores why the Kansas dreamer continues to inspire generations of fans. The Last Thing He Told Me  — Apple TV The Michaels head to Austin determined to confront their mounting problems. Unfortunately for them, the truth waiting on the other side of that trip might be bigger—and more dangerous—than they expected. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters  — Apple TV Shaw, Keiko, Hiroshi, and Kentaro break the rules and go rogue in their hunt for the mysterious Titan X. Their search leads to a long-buried secret that could change everything they thought they knew about the monsters lurking beneath the surface. Twisted Yoga  — Apple TV (Three-Episode Binge) This gripping docuseries explores the influence of Romanian spiritual leader Gregorian Bivolaru and the international yoga movement he built. What begins as a spiritual journey for young students slowly reveals a far more complicated—and unsettling—story behind the scenes. 📺 Primetime Highlights (8:00 PM ET) Celebrity Jeopardy!  — ABC (Season 4 Premiere) The trivia showdown returns with Rachel Dratch, Mark Duplass, and Katie Nolan stepping up to the podium to compete for charity. Expect quick buzzers, plenty of laughs, and the occasional moment when a very famous contestant suddenly forgets basic geography. Happy’s Place  — NBC Steve and Isabella attempt to create marketing content for the tavern, but things spiral when Bobbie becomes a little too enthusiastic on camera. The solution? Replace her with a local influencer, played by JoAnna Garcia Swisher, which of course only complicates things further. Outlander  — Starz A violent tragedy rocks the Ridge, forcing the Frasers and their community to come together during an incredibly difficult time. With emotions running high, new alliances may be just as important as old loyalties. RuPaul’s Drag Race  — MTV The queens bring the laughs with a comedy tribute honoring legendary competitor Alyssa Edwards. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka joins the judging panel as the contestants attempt to prove they can deliver punchlines as well as runway looks. Sheriff Country  — CBS Edgewater descends into chaos after a violent home invasion is traced back to a dangerous batch of synthetic weed spreading through town. Mickey and Boone scramble to contain the crisis before the situation spirals out of control. 🎉 Comedy & Competition (8:30 PM ET) Stumble  — NBC (Season 1 Finale) It’s the biggest stage in competitive cheerleading and the Buttons are ready for their final shot at victory. With the pressure at its peak, the team will need to bring everything they’ve got. Guest star Katey Sagal joins the finale as the competition reaches its dramatic conclusion. 🔥 The 9 PM Hour (9:00 PM ET) Fire Country  — CBS Station 42 is already dealing with a relentless shift when Battalion Chief Brett Richards unexpectedly returns. His arrival rattles the crew and forces Manny to face some serious doubts about his leadership. Neighbors  — HBO An annual Halloween decoration contest in New Jersey turns from friendly rivalry to full-blown neighborhood drama. Otis and Nelson’s competitive streaks push things to hilariously uncomfortable levels as each tries to outdo the other. 🚨 Late-Night Drama (10:00 PM ET) Boston Blue  — CBS St. Patrick’s Day festivities take a tense turn when Danny, Sarah, and Lena race to stop a looming threat in the city. Meanwhile, Lena’s personal life may finally be heading in a brighter direction. ✅ That’s your TV lineup for Friday, March 13.  Whether you’re diving into streaming documentaries, catching returning favorites, or watching a finale unfold, tonight’s schedule has a little something for every kind of TV fan. Check back with The TV Cave  tomorrow for another daily rundown of everything worth watching. Your remote will thank you.

High Potential continues its strong second season with “If You Come for the Queen,” an episode that finally puts Detective Daphne in the spotlight while delivering another twisty case. The episode wastes no time kicking things off with a shocking attack at a spa, someone has tried to kill Dottie. From there we cut to Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson) at home with her family before Lt. Soto (Judy Reyes) calls with the news. Because of their close relationship, Soto puts Daphne (Javicia Leslie) in charge of the investigation while Adam Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) works a separate case. Right away we learn that Dottie was basically a mentor to Daphne when she first joined the force. Their history adds emotional weight to the case, especially since they previously clashed over Daphne refusing to take the sergeant’s exam. Javicia Leslie really shines here, showing both Daphne’s confidence and the pressure she feels leading a case for the first time on top of it involving someone she cares about. The investigation starts at the spa, where the team learns the massage rooms are soundproof and the attack was carefully timed. Back at Dottie’s training facility, Morgan notices small details others miss like unfinished reports and signs someone had been digging around in Dottie’s office. The case gets even more complicated when Morgan realizes Dottie’s attack might be connected to Karadec’s separate investigation involving a man named Luke Knight. Meanwhile, Morgan also gets a great scene at home helping Ava deal with a classmate making racist comments about her getting into an art program. Kaitlin Olson handles the moment with a lot of heart, but Ava going to Daphne for advice really made me smile. It worked so well because Ava realizes that her mom can't really relate to that experience but somebody her mom trusts can and Javicia handled both scenes involving that story beat beautifully. The mystery eventually leads to a strange murder pact involving two suspects: gym trainer Vaz Amadi and spa supplier Phyllis Martell, who turns out to have a personal grudge against Dottie. After a tense search, Daphne manages to talk Phyllis down before things escalate further. Overall, this was a really strong episode that gave Daphne much-needed screen time and character development. Between the personal stakes, clever twists, and great performances especially from Javicia Leslie “If You Come for the Queen” is another reminder why High Potential  is one of the most entertaining procedural dramas on TV right now.

Fox’s Going Dutch  thrives on absurd military comedy, and this week’s episode leans fully into that strength. “Tinker, Tailor, Colonel, Spy” mixes espionage paranoia, truth serum chaos, and long-simmering romantic tension to create one of the season’s most entertaining installments. The result is a weird, goofy, and surprisingly revealing episode that finally pushes several character dynamics into the open. Maggie’s Complicated Love Life The episode opens with Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak) dealing with the return of her ex-boyfriend, CIA agent Rick Silver (Parker Young). Rick claims he’s taken a break from the CIA and wants to reconnect with Maggie. Naturally, Maggie’s solution is to hook him up to a polygraph for three hours to make sure he’s telling the truth. So far, Rick seems to pass the test. Maggie even proudly tells Sergeant Dana Conway (Laci Mosley) that Rick “really, really, really” likes her, which she interprets as proof she can focus on her career without distractions. Colonel Patrick Quinn (Denis Leary), however, immediately smells trouble. When he learns Rick is supposedly on a sabbatical from the CIA just to spend time with Maggie, his suspicion goes into overdrive. According to Quinn, lying during a polygraph is practically part of CIA training. His fatherly instincts, mixed with his signature brand of paranoia, convince him something much more sinister is happening. Snitching on a Snitch Determined to prove Rick is up to no good, Quinn recruits Sergeant Conway as his unlikely partner. Conway is more than willing to help if it means freeing Maggie from Rick’s orbit. Their conversation quickly spirals into one of the episode’s funniest exchanges, especially when Quinn calls CIA headquarters to report his suspicions. Conway asks if he’s “snitching” on Rick. Quinn insists he isn’t snitching , he’s “snitching on a bunch of snitches who are snitching on snitches.” When the CIA puts him on hold, Conway is stunned that the world’s premier intelligence agency apparently has terrible customer service. Meanwhile, Major Abraham Shah (Danny Pudi) discovers Corporal Elias Papadakis (Hal Cumpston) sleeping in the base laundry room. Papadakis explains that his barracks roommate, Specialist Gideon (Bill Kottkamp), keeps watching Gilmore Girls , forcing him to seek a quieter place to sleep. The situation becomes awkward when Papadakis notices the laundry office contains a cot, bedside table, and framed photo. Shah reluctantly admits he’s temporarily living there while waiting for Captain Celeste Shah (Milana Vayntrub) to move her belongings out of their shared home. Papadakis is free to stay in the laundry area, just not Shah’s office space. Enter MI6 Quinn’s suspicions escalate when he returns to his quarters and finds a stranger inside. The intruder has already located all of Quinn’s hidden weapons except the one beneath a false floor. He introduces himself as Alistair McLeod (Katie Killarney), an MI6 agent investigating Quinn’s call to Langley. Quinn makes it clear he dislikes both the CIA and British intelligence. In his warped view, CIA agents specialize in “druggin’ and buggin’” while British spies excel at “peepin’ and creepin’.” McLeod politely corrects him, MI6 prefers “peeking and sneaking.” Despite their differences, the two men realize they might be dealing with a serious problem. McLeod reveals a set of schematics for the Stroopsdorf base found in a dead drop under a bench. The discovery suggests there may be a mole operating inside the base. Both immediately suspect Rick. Truth Serum Shenanigans Rather than waiting months for surveillance, Quinn decides on a faster approach. He invites Rick to the conference room for a drink of scotch which, unsurprisingly, contains truth serum. The plan works a little too well. After drinking the entire glass, Rick begins confessing all sorts of things before McLeod even starts questioning him. Quinn admits he used the whole bottle of serum instead of a single drop, leaving McLeod horrified. When Maggie arrives to hear Quinn’s evidence, Rick blurts out that he’s been drugged with truth serum. Maggie rolls her eyes at her father’s latest conspiracy theory. Rick eventually reveals the truth: he isn’t spying on Stroopsdorf at all. The CIA reported him AWOL because he caused a scene at an airport after refusing to remove his flip-flops for TSA screening. The supposed espionage plot suddenly looks much less convincing. Still under the serum’s effects, Rick confesses that he doesn’t merely “really, really, really” like Maggie he loves her. L-R: Guest Star Jim Piddock and Denis Leary in the "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" episode of GOING DUTCH airing Thursday, Mar. 12 (9:32 -10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.CR : Lorraine O’Sullivan. ©2026 FOX Media LLC. The Truth Serum “Orgy” Despite Rick’s explanation, Quinn and McLeod remain convinced there must be a mole somewhere. McLeod reviews security footage overnight and narrows the suspects down to three possibilities. Unfortunately, the truth serum was only designed to handle three people. By the time Quinn gathers multiple suspects in the library including Maggie, Conway, Papadakis, and others, the dosage level becomes dangerously high. McLeod warns that the situation could escalate into what he calls a “truth orgy,” where everyone reveals their deepest secrets whether they want to or not. That’s exactly what happens. Secrets start flying across the room as each character blurts out personal confessions. Papadakis admits he wasn’t really sleeping in the laundry room because of his roommate, he was there because he saw Shah quietly moving his pillow and blanket into the office and felt sorry for him. It was, in his words, the saddest thing he had ever seen and he’s from Cedar Rapids. The Big Confession The emotional climax comes when Maggie finally reveals her biggest secret: she has feelings for Major Shah. The truth serum forces Shah to respond in kind, confessing that he loves Maggie as well. Colonel Quinn is absolutely horrified by this revelation. Rick, still under the serum’s influence, can’t understand why Maggie would choose Shah over him. Maggie and Shah talk privately about the complicated situation. Shah worries that a relationship could damage Maggie’s career, but Maggie insists she doesn’t care. Even so, they ultimately acknowledge that the timing may not be right. Meanwhile, Quinn and McLeod eventually realize the truth: there is no mole at Stroopsdorf. The entire situation was caused by misunderstandings, paranoia, and a spectacular misuse of truth serum. A Goofy but Satisfying Episode “Tinker, Tailor, Colonel, Spy” is one of the show’s most delightfully strange episodes. The truth serum plotline creates a perfect excuse for the characters to say everything they’ve been holding back all season, and the results are both hilarious and oddly heartfelt. Most importantly, the episode finally pushes Maggie and Shah’s relationship into the open. Now that everyone knows how they feel about each other including Colonel Quinn, the show has a whole new dynamic to explore moving forward. It’s unclear how Maggie and Shah will continue working together under these circumstances, but that tension should make the rest of the season even more interesting. Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

By far one of the best episodes of The Rookie this season thus far. The opening sequence was the perfect set up to one of the creepiest cases the team has ever faced. The only note I’d say with this episode is that they could’ve gone without some scenes to give the Westview case more life.  We Could’ve Done Without Bailey I believe whatever they’re setting up by introducing this secret room in the pentagon scene with Bailey is going to make for an interesting storyline. However, this was not the episode to do that. It took away from the horror show that was unfolding at Westview. That’s the thing that The Rookie  sometimes gets wrong: it's how to handle multiple cases in one episode to make the story flow. This case didn’t flow with the others.  There was also a very odd camera trick in this episode that made me wonder its purpose. While Bailey was walking to investigate the door, Grey told her to check out, it was almost like we were in a spinning tunnel watching Bailey walk the corridor. Why’d we do that? Personally, I don’t think it added anything to the scene except annoyance.  I wish the time spent with whatever this storyline will be with Bailey could’ve been invested more in the Glasser case.  (Disney/Mike Taing)/ABC © 2026 All Rights Reserved.  The Glasser Case is Falling Apart  After Nyla’s deposition, it seems like nothing is going right with the Glasser case and Wesley is struggling. His last chance at Glasser was with Ryan Dearbourne, someone who Glasser made believe he committed his alleged crimes. While Dearbourne was in a fragile state, he believed he was the one who murdered all those people. It wasn’t until he got the help he needed that he realized he was groomed into believing all of this by Liam Glasser. It’s why he decided to testify against him.  I don’t trust Glasser’s attorney, Malcolm. He insisted on sitting in on Ryan’s deposition with Wesley, and despite trying to trip him up, Ryan was calm and collected. However, later that night Ryan took a turn for the worse. He was medicated and doing fine, now all of a sudden he shows up at Wesley’s office stabbing himself and appearing manic. What happened to all his progress?  Wesley managed to talk him down and ensured he was well when he got to the hospital, but why did Malcolm show up? Was he really there because he cared about Wesley’s wellbeing? A part of me feels like he has something to do with what happened to Ryan. With Ryan in no condition to take the stand, what does this mean for the case? Has Glasser gotten to his own attorney making him do the dirty work?  (Disney/Mike Taing)/ABC © 2026 All Rights Reserved.  What Does Luna Want From Wade?  What’s happening with Wade and Luna has been incredibly frustrating to watch. This was a loving couple who always supported each other. I don’t like the direction being taken with Luna’s character.  Luna shows up at Wade’s job wanting to talk to him after he, obviously, didn’t go home to her. Not only was she nonchalant about being in an office she had no clearance to be in, she made it seem like Wade was overreacting to the situation. Imagine loving someone for years and they tell you they’re attracted to someone else, but no it’s not cheating because nothing happened between them. Let’s imagine for a second that this is what Wade said to her– do you think she would accept the things she’s saying? Absolutely not.  When Wade told her what would make him feel more comfortable about the situation, her leaving the job and never seeing Oliver again, her response? ‘It’s not that simple” I beg your pardon, Luna? This is your husband  you’re speaking to and he’s giving you an easy out. Now, I will say I don’t believe she should have to leave her job for this, but she is doing absolutely nothing  to reassure Wade that she loves him and only him. It shouldn’t be that hard.  Westview Living Up to the Reputation   When a crew of twenty loses contact, dispatch calls for a wellness check. Nyla, Miles, Nolan, and his ride along, Dash ( I didn’t know people could just walk in and request a ride along without approval, but okay)  travel to Westview to check in. Once they arrive, things look pretty eerie. Then out of nowhere, the crew is spotted, but they’re in a zombie-like state and they’re ready to attack. Nyla, Miles, Nolan, and Dash run for their lives. This entire sequence was insane to watch. These are trained officers, but nothing  could’ve prepared them for what awaited them. They were overwhelmingly outnumbered. They needed back up.  After not reporting in, back up arrived. Lucy and Celina enter Westview and are immediately attacked by some of the infected crew members. As they’re running away from them, Lucy and Celina get separated; Celina finds a room and locks herself in, but Lucy finds herself in danger. Lucy is attacked from behind and is brutally beaten, however, she manages to get away, but not before a second attacker finds her and he’s holding a knife.  (Disney/Mike Taing)/ABC © 2026 All Rights Reserved.  This is a scary situation to be in and I couldn’t help but think back to when Nyla taught Lucy how to fight someone who was bigger and stronger than her. That instinct was kicking in at this moment. Lucy was pinned down and was close to being stabbed by this man so she did what she had to do to survive. At the last moment she manages to turn the knife on the assailant and kills him as a result.  She’s visibly shaken when Tim and Celina find her, and as much as I wanted this to be a moment where we see Tim be the protective boyfriend, I’m glad it was kept professional and he followed protocol. To see Lucy go through this was beyond difficult; this is a cop’s worst nightmare. We saw it back in season 1 episode eight called “Time of Death” , when Nolan took the life of a bank robber and how he struggled with the aftermath. Lucy held it together until the very end when she finally allowed herself to break down. I wonder how she will be when she’s back to work. Will she take this moment with her on cases moving forward? How will she deal with this?  What are your thoughts on this week’s new episode of The Rookie ? Share your thoughts!

Pack your bags and grab some earplugs, because the brat prince of the undead is finally trading the coffin for a concert stage. AMC has officially confirmed that Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat , the rebranded, rock-fueled third season of the Interview with the Vampire saga is staking its claim on a Sunday, June 7, 2026 premiere date. If you thought Louis de Pointe du Lac was a dramatic narrator, you haven't seen anything yet. Lestat de Lioncourt is back to set the record straight, and he’s doing it with a backing band and enough hairspray to bridge the ozone layer. From Gothic Sob Story to Glitter Rock Glory Lestat, played with delicious arrogance by Sam Reid , has decided he’s tired of Daniel Molloy’s "trashy bestseller." Instead of writing a rebuttal, he’s launching a multi-city tour to tell his side of the story. The shift in tone is palpable; gone are the humid, claustrophobic streets of New Orleans, replaced by the neon-soaked excess of a 70s-inspired rockumentary. Think David Bowie meets T. Rex , but with more bloodlust and probably just as many sequins. The new opening title sequence recently dropped by AMC, featuring the gritty, pulsing track "All Fall Down," and it’s clear this isn't the brooding period piece we started with. It’s loud, it’s vain, and it’s exactly the kind of chaos Lestat deserves. New Faces in the Front Row While we’re here for the music, the drama remains top-tier. Jacob Anderson ’s Louis is confirmed to return, likely to roll his eyes at Lestat’s mid-life (or mid-death) crisis. However, the real buzz surrounds the new arrivals. Jennifer Ehle joins the chaos as Lestat’s mother, Gabrielle, while Sheila Atim steps into the legendary role of Akasha, the Queen of the Damned. If you thought the family dinner in Season 1 was tense, wait until the literal mother of all vampires decides she wants a front-row seat to the tour. The Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype? Showrunner Rolin Jones is leaning hard into the "unreliable narrator" trope, and it’s a brilliant move. By letting Lestat take the mic, the show evolves from a tragedy into a spectacle. The production value looks staggering, and the music—produced specifically for the series actually sounds like something you’d find on a dusty vinyl at a thrift store, rather than a generic TV soundtrack. Mark your calendars for June 7. Whether you're here for the lore or just to see Sam Reid in leather pants, this premiere promises to be the TV event of the summer. What do you think of Lestat's new sound? Head over to the comments to join the discussion!

The chopping block has finally claimed its most expensive victim. In a move that surprised exactly no one who actually sat through an entire episode, NBC has officially pulled the plug on Yes, Chef! The high-stakes, higher-budget culinary competition which paired the domestic goddess Martha Stewart with humanitarian powerhouse José Andrés will not be returning for a second season. While the network initially hoped for a Michelin-starred hit, they ended up serving the television equivalent of a soggy bottom. A Recipe for Rating Disaster When NBC first announced the series, the pitch sounded foolproof: twelve "rebellious" chefs competing for a $250,000 grand prize in a format that supposedly focused on leadership over petty squabbles. Instead, viewers were served a lukewarm broth of forced drama and confusing challenges. The show’s death knell was its abysmal performance in the key 18-49 demographic, where it limped along with a 0.14 rating. It turns out that even the combined star power of Stewart and Andrés couldn't save a show that felt more like a corporate team-building retreat than a cutthroat competition. The chemistry between the hosts, which should have been "oil and vinegar" in the best way, often felt more like "oil and water," leaving a greasy film over the entire production. By the time the finale aired on June 30, the audience had already checked out, leaving the kitchen feeling cold and deserted. The Mystery of the Vanishing Chef If there was a peak for the series, it was the bizarre mid-season exit of Katsuji Tanabe. In Episode 5, the fan-favorite chef simply "withdrew," leaving a vacuum of information that the network refused to fill. Was it a creative dispute? A secret quest for the perfect taco? A disagreement over the proper way to zest a lemon? We may never know, but the lack of transparency only fueled the fire for a frustrated audience already tired of the show's erratic editing and inconsistent judging. Too Much Salt, Not Enough Soul Critics weren't kind and neither were the fans. While the streaming numbers provided a slight bump, they weren't enough to justify the massive production costs required to keep the set running. The series prioritized personality clashes over actual cooking techniques, leaving foodies feeling cheated and casual viewers feeling bored. The cancellation of Yes, Chef! serves as a stark reminder that in the crowded world of food TV, you can't just throw famous names into a pot and expect a gourmet meal. Sometimes, the most merciful thing a network can do is turn off the stove before the kitchen actually catches fire. Was the cancellation justified, or did NBC give up on the kitchen too soon? Let us know your thoughts on our social channels and tell us which chef you'll miss most or if you’re just relieved to have your Monday nights back.

This week on Abbott Elementary it is safety day and you know what that means. If you guessed chaos then you would be correct. Let's talk about it.  Abbott came in chaotic from the jump and never really let up. The episode opened with one of the most unhinged safety assemblies they have done yet, combining texting and driving, drugs, and fire safety into one mess of a presentation. There was a staged crash, a fire and a fake fatality. Thankfully the fire was put out quickly, but the whole thing was pure Abbott chaos. As part of the presentation, one teacher had to play the victim of a texting-and-driving accident and spend the day roaming the halls unable to talk. Ava picked Janine at first, but Gregory defended her, so naturally Ava chose him instead. Gregory being forced into silence ended up working in his favor because when one of his students asked what really happens when a person dies, he did not have to answer. For once, he was enjoying the peace until Jacob interrupted it with campaign talk. Speaking of campaigns, Tina Schwartz, a former Abbott teacher who once kicked a student, is running for school district liaison, a word she cannot even pronounce. Jacob starts out trying to rally support for the position, but nobody is paying him any attention. He goes to Tina’s town hall and finds out no one else is there because she is running unopposed and the whole thing is basically a formality. Tina clearly knows nothing and only decided to run because she needed something to do, which tells you everything. It does not take long to see where this is headed. Janine, meanwhile, is losing it because Gregory cannot talk. She keeps bothering Ava about it until Ava gets tired of her and has Janine “killed off” too, forcing her into silence as well. Later, Jacob tries to convince Janine to run for liaison, but in the end he chooses to step up himself. Melissa had one of the wildest storylines of the episode. Her boyfriend being promoted to fire chief should have been a good thing, but to Melissa it suddenly made him less attractive because now she sees him as a desk jockey pushing paper. Barbara rightly tells her that this man is a catch and maybe she should think before she acts, but Melissa does what Melissa does and breaks up with him anyway because he wanted more for himself. It was completely unhinged. Thankfully, by the end, she apologizes, and he reassures her that he is not changing. He is even going to buy a Harley, which honestly felt like exactly the kind of compromise Melissa needed to hear. Barbara spent the episode going around trying to get people to interpret her dreams, which was its own little running joke in the middle of all the other madness. Mr. Johnson taking over Gregory’s class only added to the absurdity because whenever he is left in charge, you know normal school rules are out the window. This episode was hilarious, chaotic, and just a little dark in that way Abbott does so well. Everybody was slightly unhinged, the jokes landed, and the episode never lost momentum. Ten out of ten.

Dorinda Medley has never been shy about sharing her opinions and now the former The Real Housewives of New York City  star is putting those thoughts into print. The Bravo favorite and recent The Traitors  standout has officially announced a new book, I Know a Thing or Two About a Thing or Two , set to hit shelves on November 3 , just in time for holiday gift lists and Bravo fan wish lists everywhere. For reality TV viewers who have spent years quoting Dorinda’s iconic one-liners, the news feels like a natural next step. After all, if anyone has lived enough life to write an advice book, it’s the woman who turned “I made it nice!” into a cultural catchphrase. With I Know a Thing or Two About a Thing or Two , Dorinda Medley promises to share her personal philosophy on everything from entertaining without stress to managing money and finding grounding rituals in chaotic times. The book is positioned as a practical guide mixed with Dorinda’s signature personality. Expect stories from her life, lessons learned along the way and plenty of tips on hosting, budgeting and generally keeping things together, even when life throws a few curveballs. Given Medley’s flair for dramatic dinner parties and emotional heart-to-hearts on reality TV, readers can likely expect advice delivered with equal parts sincerity and sass. Dorinda rose to Bravo fame during her run on The Real Housewives of New York City , where she quickly became one of the franchise’s most quotable personalities. Her time on the series cemented her reputation as someone who could be charming, brutally honest and hilariously unpredictable, sometimes all within the same scene. More recently, she re-entered the reality TV spotlight on The Traitors , proving that her knack for memorable television moments hasn’t gone anywhere. That built-in fan base will likely be eager to see what Dorinda brings to the page. Medley’s larger-than-life personality could translate well into a collection of stories and life lessons. If nothing else, readers can expect the same unfiltered tone that made her such a compelling presence on Bravo. With pre-orders already open and the release date set for early November, I Know a Thing or Two About a Thing or Two  is shaping up to be a must-have for reality TV fans who want a little Dorinda wisdom on their bookshelf. Dorinda Medley definitely believes she knows a thing or two and soon, readers will get to decide for themselves.

St. Patrick’s Day returns to Woodstone. In Ghosts Season 5, Episode 13, titled " St. Hetty’s Day 2: The Help ," the series leans hard into the "once-a-year" loophole that allows Hetty Woodstone (Rebecca Wisocky) to be seen and heard by the living. The result? Pure, unadulterated chaos at Jay’s restaurant and a masterclass in why the 1890s elite probably shouldn't handle modern POS systems. Kyle Returns and Sam’s Ego Takes a Hit The episode kicks off with Sam heading out of town, which usually spells disaster for the house. Enter Kyle (the delightful Ben Feldman), who returns to "ghost-sit" the mansion. While Sam clearly expected the ghosts to weep at her departure, they were too busy throwing a figurative ticker-tape parade for Kyle. It’s "comedy gold" to see Sam’s feelings get bruised by her own haunting, but let’s be real, Kyle’s vibe is just less "nagging landlord" and more "cool counselor." The Ultimate Victorian Serving Nightmare The stakes are high at the restaurant as a high-profile event planner, Cindy Cole , arrives to scout the place. When Jay’s new server, Jeff, is scared off by a jilted, visible Hetty (who was stood up on a date Trevor arranged via a burner profile), Hetty decides she’s the only one refined enough to save the day. Despite Jay’s very valid concerns that she has zero service experience, Hetty insists her "upper-class" status makes her a natural. Spoilers: It doesn't. When Cindy asks if she’s going to write the order down, Hetty scoffs, only to immediately forget everything. It’s a heartwarming, if rare, moment to see Jay’s living staff rally around the ghost, teaching her that a restaurant is a team. Hetty even turns the menu into a song to mask her forgetfulness, proving that even a robber baron’s wife can pivot when the Yelp reviews are on the line. Dream Dates and Trevor’s Terrible Advice Meanwhile, Bela has been napping more than a senior cat, but it’s for a good cause: she’s having "dream dates" with Sass . Sass is head-over-heels, but he makes the classic mistake of taking dating advice from Trevor . Trevor convinces Sass to play it cool and act uninterested. This backfires spectacularly. When Bela tries to define the relationship in the dream world, Sass plays the "it doesn’t matter" card, leading a frustrated Bela to ask Kyle out in the real world. Watching Kyle get "bested" by a guy with no physical form is the kind of petty supernatural drama we live for. Eventually, Sass crashes the date, coming clean about his feelings and winning Bela back for a dream-world rendezvous. The Labor Uprising of Woodstone The episode wraps with a surprisingly touching labor movement. After Jeff returns and Hetty feels discarded, Isaac, Pete, and Alberta push her to fight for her "job." Hetty’s impassioned speech to Jay, supported by Amanda and the rest of the kitchen staff threatening a walkout, is a highlight of the season. Jay, ever the pushover for his wife’s ghost friends, tells her to get back out there. Ghosts Season 5 continues to prove that even when the plot gets "dreamy," the humor remains grounded in the delightful dysfunction of the Woodstone crew. How do you feel about Bela and Sass’s dream-world romance? Let us know in the comments if you think Trevor should officially be banned from giving romantic advice!

Welcome to the high-stakes culinary circus where the floor you stand on matters as much as the salt in your sauce. If you thought Next Level Chef Season 5 couldn’t get more stressful, Episode 7 just turned the basement into a bistro and the top floor into a five-star nightmare. For the first time in the show's history, we didn't just have a platform; we had a dining room. In an episode aptly titled "Service, Please!", the mentors, Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais had to swap their usual hovering for some actual teamwork. The mission? A full dinner service with a separate platform drop for each floor. With 40 minutes on the clock, each team had to act as a cohesive unit to feed actual human beings. No pressure, right? The Guest List of Our Dreams (and Their Nightmares) The stakes were hoisted even higher by a panel of heavy hitters. Joining the fray were Chef Alex Atala (the legendary host of Next Level Chef Brazil ), Chef Andrew Wong , and the incomparable Chef Clare Smyth . These aren't just judges; they are the people who make Michelin stars look like participation trophies. Team Arrington: Basement Blues and Scallop Scares Team Arrington started in the basement, tasked with the appetizer. They went with scallops, a classic choice, but apparently a hard one to track. Danielle suffered a momentary lapse in memory regarding a pea puree, and with 20 minutes left, the team just... gave up on it. The real comedy of errors came during the elevator load. Machete tried to keep the judges' plates separate, but in the frantic shuffle, everything got mixed up. While the scallops were technically "good," they were described as "too safe." When you’re cooking for Clare Smyth, "safe" is just a polite word for "forgetrable." To make matters worse, two judges missed out on the miso entirely. It was a basement-tier performance in every sense of the word. Team Blais: Fishy Business in the Middle Occupying the middle ground, Team Blais took on the fish course with salmon. Darian stepped up as the "Fish Whisperer," but the rest of the kitchen was a bit of a mess. Tim managed to overcook the potatoes, forcing Christian to jump in and save the day. Despite the fish nearly hitting the "well-done" mark, Darian pulled it back at the last second. The judges loved the sauce but begged for more seasoning and boldness. It wasn't perfect, but compared to the chaos downstairs, it was a Michelin-level miracle. Team Ramsay: The Top Tier Filet Up in the penthouse, Team Ramsay grabbed the filet. As expected, the presentation was elegant. The judges were impressed by the sauce, though, in typical fashion, they wanted more of it. One filet was seared a bit too hard, and the puree could have been silkier, but the view from the top remained relatively steady. The Verdict and the Elimination Duel When the smoke cleared, Team Blais snatched the win! They are safe and heading to the top kitchen next week, proving that a little potato drama can’t stop a solid salmon. That left Team Arrington facing the firing squad. For the elimination cook, they had 25 minutes to recreate a scallop entrée. Machete went with a risky risotto. Matt paired his scallops with purple potatoes and bacon. Danielle opted for crispy smashed potatoes. Connor took a tropical turn with pineapple salsa tostadas. In a heartbreaking conclusion, Richard Blais had to cast the tie-breaking vote between Matt and Danielle. Ultimately, Matt was sent home , proving that in the Next Level kitchen, you’re only as good as your last sear. Next Level Chef is officially upping the stakes this season, turning individual cooks into a frantic hospitality machine. If this is how service goes in Episode 7, we can only imagine the carnage waiting for us in the finale. Who do you think has the chops to win it all? Let us know in the comments or head over to The TV Cave for more recaps and TV tea!