Now this is how you do a season finale. The latest episode of The Rookie was the perfect end to an amazing season. Leaving us with just enough to want more. Of course there were a few scenes that I felt could’ve been left on the cutting room floor, but great episode nonetheless. Was Dash Necessary? There were two things that irritated me while watching this episode; Dash’s appearance being the first one. We first met Dash at the end of last season and I thought he was a great comedic character for what the episode was. Oscar Hutchinson once again evading police and being a menace to John. Bringing him back for another not so serious episode this season was, again, great, but now we’re pushing it. In the season finale, we see Dash hanging around with John and Bailey…at their home. Bailey is helping him with college applications and he asks John to write him a letter of recommendation. I’m very confused with how they became close with this kid to begin with. I get that he doesn’t have the best home life so he’s probably a bit lost, but do we need to see this much of him? Again, I don’t mind his presence when it makes sense, because Dash is a fun, silly character that breaks up the tension in some episodes, but it’s become overwhelming. (Disney/Mike Taing) ERIC WINTER, MELISSA O’NEIL At the end of an intense day, Bailey and John come home to him sleeping on the ground waiting for them to come home. He also has a bottle of champagne with him as a thank you for their help. Question, how does a teenager get access to champagne? No way he bought this at the store, right? We honestly could've done without Dash in this episode. Why is Bailey Always Around? This is the second thing that bothered me about this episode and it’s something that always happens and I highly dislike this: why is Bailey always involved in LAPD matters? The argument is that she has a military background, but they almost never bring it up unless it’s for a high stakes case. Then she’s suddenly brought in to help, but mostly gets in the way (to me). Heath Everett is back in this episode. During a highly guarded police transfer, Everett manages to escape, leaving the team scrambling. Once his location has been identified, they devise a plan to arrest him again, and they bring in multiple police personnel – Bailey somehow becoming one of them? The reason being they’re “going to need a medic” and she’s the only one that’s always available somehow. (Disney/Mike Taing) DERIC AUGUSTINE, LISSETH CHAVEZ If she was there to be the medic on standby, why was she paired with John and holding a gun? Why was she in the field searching for Everett with LAPD? It’s exhausting at this point. There was a moment where John was nearly cornered by Everett’s men and his only means of escape was to jump off the ship they were on into the water. I just know if they gave him a minute he would’ve been fine and swam up to the boats that LAPD had waiting. But no, they had Bailey jump into the water and save him. Enough already. The Moment We’ve All Been Waiting For…But at What Cost? We’ve been waiting for this moment forever: Tim proposing to Lucy. There has always been an undeniable connection between these two and we know this because even when they broke up, they couldn’t help but gravitate towards one another. Granted, as much as I didn’t like the break up between these two, I believe now that it was necessary in order for them to get to this place. Tim had work he needed to do in order to fully start healing from the trauma of his past. Lucy needed to focus more on herself and advancing in her career. In the last episode, we heard a glimpse of what Lucy means to Tim. How she “makes [him] feel loved in a way [he] never felt [he] deserved.” These words were so beautiful, but man that moment on the beach? I was doing just fine until Tim said “you have healed me in places I didn’t even know were broken,” That’s when the water works started. Because thinking back to when they were first paired together when Lucy was a rookie, witnessing their connection only growing stronger. Watching Tim go from this “walls up” T.O. to where he is with Lucy presently. There’s been so much growth between the two of them, that made this moment extra special to witness. (Disney/Mike Taing) ERIC WINTER, MELISSA O’NEIL Then came the question, “Lucy Chen, will you marry me?” and without hesitation, Lucy accepts. It was so beautiful until… What we thought was a random couple walking by witnessing this beautiful moment quickly turned into shock and horror as they both injected Tim and Lucy with a sedative. As they’re losing consciousness, the woman tells them “Everett says payback is a B****.” Then their heads get covered and the episode ends. Talk about an intense cliffhanger! Looks like the Heath Everett storyline is far from over. What were your thoughts on the season finale of The Rookie? Were you as shocked as I was with the ending? Any theories as to what we can expect for next season? Share your thoughts!

Nashville has a reputation for being a "ten-year town," but it only took the Hart family ten episodes to burn their gilded reputation to the ground. The 9-1-1 Nashville Season 1 finale, "Intrusive Thoughts," finally delivered the high-decibel showdown we’ve been bracing for since the pilot, proving once and for all that in this city, the emergency calls are usually coming from inside the mansion. Between toxic clouds and toxic relationships, the 113 had their hands full, but the real wreckage was purely domestic. The 113 spent the hour responding to a medical emergency at a Noah Cyrus soundcheck involving a localized airborne threat, but the real poison was brewing at the Hart estate. After weeks of Dixie Bennings playing a high-stakes game of "Steal Your Man," she finally put her cards on the table. Her proposal to Don? A one-night stand in exchange for burying her career-ending diss track against Blythe. Don, ever the moral compass of a broken compass, actually considered it. While he eventually limped back to Blythe, the damage was done. The reveal of those suggestive texts was the match that lit the fuse, ending in a literal floor-rolling scrap between the two women that felt more like a backstage brawl at the Opry than a standard procedural cliffhanger. Not to mention, the PI was the one spilling the tea? Brutal. (Disney/Jake Giles Netter) JESSICA CAPSHAW, LEANN RIMES While the Harts were busy tearing each other’s hair out, Sam and Ryan were forced into a far more sobering reality. The discovery of a mass on Sam’s ovary threw a wrench into their domestic bliss. In a move that will surely spark debate across the fandom, Sam opted to forgo immediate surgery to keep her dreams of motherhood alive. It’s the kind of heavy, heart-wrenching drama this spin-off does surprisingly well when it isn't distracted by country music cameos. Meanwhile, Blue finally got his own place. He is a big boy now and we cannot wait to see what is in store for he and Taylor next season. Speaking of looking toward Season 2, the board has been completely reset. The big news? Ryan Phillippe is officially joining the roster. He is set to play a hard-nosed, enigmatic fire captain from a rival station who shares a complicated, possibly litigious history with the Hart family. His arrival promises to shift the power dynamics of the 113, especially as Don struggles to regain his footing as a leader while his private life remains a tabloid fixture. The season ended on a much darker note than the original 9-1-1 finale, which aired the same night. While the 118 in Los Angeles often finds a way to wrap their season finales with a sense of found-family unity, Nashville leaned into the fracture. Where Bobby Nash usually offers a prayer and a barbecue, Don Hart offered a betrayal and a law suit. Nashville has traded the "all-for-one" warmth of the original for a soap-operatic grit that feels more at home in the South, trading happy endings for high-stakes cliffhangers. Blythe now owns Dixie’s contract, talk about keeping your enemies closer. If this finale taught us anything, it’s that in Music City, the loudest screams aren't always for an encore. What did you think of that Blythe and Dixie smackdown? Head over to the comments and let us know if Don deserves a second chance or a one-way ticket out of town.

Peacock’s is arriving with blood on its hands and humidity in the air, and according to star Alerto Guerra, viewers may want to prepare themselves accordingly. During a recent interview with The TV Cave, Guerra opened up about filming in Miami, stepping into the role of Elias Perez, and why audiences may find themselves strangely sympathetic toward a man capable of doing some deeply awful things. Naturally, that’s where things get interesting. The actor, known for memorable turns in Griselda and Narcos: Mexico, described M.I.A. as “thrilling, exciting and violent,” which honestly feels like the most accurate three-word summary imaginable after watching the series unfold. Although Guerra joked that fans should fear his character, he quickly made it clear that Elias Perez is far more layered than the standard intimidating enforcer audiences may expect at first glance. “This is a guy that’s an enforcer for this very powerful family,” Guerra explained. “At the beginning of the show, he sees his entire life torn up by this event that changes everything.” And yes, Elias does terrifying things. Repeatedly. But Guerra emphasized that the series takes time to peel back those layers instead of settling for a one-note villain who exists solely to glower in dimly lit rooms while threatening people. Television has enough of those already. “We wanted to create empathy for a guy viewers are going to watch do really horrible things,” Guerra shared. “He did this, but he’s also that little kid who lived and went through that in life.” That emotional complexity becomes one of M.I.A.’s strongest qualities. The series leans heavily into Miami’s cultural identity, vibrant atmosphere, and simmering tension, using the city as more than just a flashy backdrop for cartel drama and violent confrontations. Guerra, who is Cuban and has spent years living in Mexico City, admitted filming in Miami felt surprisingly personal. “I absolutely loved it,” he said. “What more could you possibly ask in life than being able to go to work in sandals?” Honestly, fair. The actor also hinted that Elias may not even be the most dangerous person viewers encounter this season, teasing, “I’m not even the most violent guy in the show.” Considering Elias already leaves a trail of destruction behind him, that statement feels less like promotion and more like a warning. Peacock’s M.I.A. thrives when it embraces its morally messy characters and lets the emotional motivations underneath all the bloodshed breathe. Guerra clearly understands that balance, delivering insight into a character who could have easily become another forgettable TV tough guy. Instead, Elias Perez feels unpredictable, damaged, and very human, which somehow makes him even more unsettling. And if Guerra’s teasing is accurate, audiences have not seen anything yet. Check out our full interview below: Craving more M.I.A.? We've got you covered with more interviews down below.

Woodstone Estate is never quiet, but "Gate-gate" managed to turn the volume up to an eleven. In Season 5, Episode 19 of Ghosts, the stakes shifted from supernatural shenanigans to cold, hard political blackmail. If you thought the basement ghosts were the most dramatic thing about this show, you clearly haven’t met a small-town politician with a secret hobby. The episode opens with the realization that Tad’s "Mountains of the Valley" restaurant is actually happening. He’s even hired a new bartender who looks suspiciously qualified, which is bad news for Sam and Jay. The Woodstone duo needs Tad back in the Mayor’s office and out of their kitchen. Fortunately, the City Council is voting to oust Tad tomorrow, giving Sam a very narrow window to dig up enough dirt to keep the status quo. While Sam plays Woodward and Bernstein, Isaac is dealing with a crisis of comfort. Having officially moved out of the basement, he’s discovered a lingering side effect: he can no longer sleep lying down. Like a true basement dweller, he can only catch z's while standing up. It’s a hilarious, if slightly pathetic, visual that keeps Alberta awake and irritable. Nancy, never one to miss a beat, immediately clocks him. She rightfully points out that Isaac only used the basement ghosts for their votes and is now trying to act like he’s too good for the dirt floor. In a desperate bid to "ween" himself off his basement habits, Hetty suggests bringing a piece of the basement upstairs. This results in a truly bizarre bedroom scene where Sass, Pete, and Hetty all stand perfectly still next to Isaac’s bed to mimic the basement vibe. It’s weird, it’s uncomfortable, and it fails spectacularly. Everyone bails, leaving Isaac to eventually sneak back downstairs where he finally admits he just misses the company of the "lowers." The real juice of the episode, however, is the blackmail plot. Pete reveals he has the scoop on Gus Hayward, apparently, the man is a prolific swinger with the neighbors. Sam and Jay’s plan to use this tape for blackmail hits a snag when they discover Gus’s own wife was the whistleblower who cost Tad his job in the first place. The resolution is surprisingly sweet for a show about dead people and blackmail. After a tense confrontation where Tad’s wife admits she sabotaged him just to get some quality time together, Tad realizes he loves his wife more than his political ego. He agrees to leave the restaurant business, Sam suggests they work together at the Mayor’s office, and the Woodstone kitchen is finally safe from Mountains of the Valley. "Gate-gate" proves that whether you're a 200-year-old soldier or a disgraced mayor, sometimes you just need to admit when you're lonely. Between the standing-room-only sleepovers and the suburban swinger scandals, Ghosts continues to be the best kind of haunt. For more recaps and deep dives into the afterlife, keep it locked here at The TV Cave. What did you think of Isaac’s basement withdrawal? Drop a comment below!

The cross-promotion machine at Fox is working overtime, and frankly, we should have seen this coming. With the World Cup looming, Next Level Chef decided to pivot from culinary excellence to pitch-side theatrics in Season 5, Episode 14, titled "The Ultimate Goal." The main stage was miraculously transformed into a miniature soccer stadium, because apparently, cooking under the watchful eye of Gordon Ramsay wasn’t high-pressure enough, we needed artificial turf and bleachers to really drive the point home. Joining the fray this week was U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas. While Lalas is known for his defensive prowess on the field, he spent most of the episode wandering the kitchens like a man looking for the nearest concession stand. He didn’t actually have a vote in the elimination, which makes his presence feel like a mandatory HR meeting, but his commentary added a certain flavor to an already crowded kitchen. The challenge was simple in theory but a nightmare in execution: a fusion dish inspired by two World Cup countries. On the top floor, Richard Blais steered Cole and Connor. Nyesha Arrington held down the middle with Darian and Andy, while Gordon Ramsay was left in the basement with Gabrielle. Connor used his 10-second time token to snag the USA basket, opting for a chicken-based play. He later grabbed Italy during the mid-round drop to attempt a "Fried Chicken Parm." It was a bold move that mostly paid off; the judges liked the cheddar cheese twist, though a pinch more salt would have saved it from being "just okay." Meanwhile, Cole took a massive gamble with a Spain-South Korea fusion. Her paella looked stunning, the kind of dish that gets likes on Instagram but the rice was underdone. In the world of paella, crunchy rice is a cardinal sin, and the fusion elements felt more like an afterthought than a cohesive strategy. In the middle kitchen, things got messy. Andy picked Mexico (pork) and Brazil, but the final plate was a geographical identity crisis. While the sauce was exceptional, the judges couldn't tell if they were in Mexico City or Rio. Darian, however, showed everyone how it’s done. Combining Argentina’s ribeye and steak-heavy culture with Germany’s sauerkraut, he delivered a chimichurri-kraut fusion that actually made sense. It was the only dish that truly understood the assignment. CR: Lorraine O’Sullivan / FOX. ©2026 FOX Media LLC. Down in the basement, Gabrielle played it safe with England and Canada. Her fish and chips tasted great because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to ruin fried fish but it lacked the visual "wow" factor required for a fusion challenge. It looked like a standard pub order rather than a culinary breakthrough. Unsurprisingly, Darian took the win, leaving Cole and Andy to battle it out in the elimination round. The task? Lamb. Andy’s pan-roasted lamb with feta and Greek flavors had potential, but she committed the ultimate kitchen crime: she overcooked the meat. Cole’s honey-spiced lamb with yogurt sauce was perfectly rested and pink, even if she left a bit too much fat on the cut. In the end, you can’t survive Next Level Chef with overcooked protein. Andy was sent packing, proving that even with a World Cup theme, if you miss the goal, you’re off the team. Let us know in the comments: Did the right chef go home, or was Cole's greasy lamb a bigger offense?

The TV industry is currently obsessed with the "if it ain’t broke, fix it until it is" philosophy of content creation. Case in point: MGM+ has officially greenlit a series reboot of The Magnificent Seven. Because apparently, two legendary films and a short-lived 90s show weren't enough to satisfy our collective appetite for watching seven guys with questionable morals shoot at things in the desert. While the 2016 film felt like a glossy, star-studded fever dream, this new iteration seems to be aiming for a grittier, more prestige-flavored television landscape. Headlining this dusty endeavor is the ever-reliable Matt Dillon, stepping into the spurs of Chris Adams. But the real headline-grabber for those who enjoy their villains with a side of gravitas is the casting of Will Patton. Patton, who has spent the last few years reminding everyone he’s the king of the weathered-look in Yellowstone and Horizon, joins the cast as the series’ primary antagonist, Cyrus T. Clemons. Clemons isn't your run-of-the-mill mustache-twirler. He is a ruthless land baron with a private army and a very expensive grudge against a peaceful Quaker village. This setup provides the perfect excuse for Dillon’s Chris Adams to round up six other social misfits for a suicide mission that will surely involve a lot of dramatic staring and even more gunpowder. Tim Kring, the man behind Heroes, is steering this wagon train. While Kring is known for sprawling ensembles, the challenge here will be making us care about a story we’ve essentially heard three times before. The 1880s setting remains a staple of the genre, but MGM+ is clearly hoping that the long-form storytelling of a series will allow for more character development than a two-hour blockbuster. Is the world crying out for another Magnificent Seven? Probably not. But with Patton playing a cold-blooded tycoon and Dillon playing the weary hero, there is enough veteran talent here to keep Western fans from changing the channel. Filming is set to kick off this summer, and if they manage to capture even half the charm of the original Yul Brynner classic, MGM+ might just have a hit on its hands. Check back with The TV Cave for more updates as the rest of the seven are cast. In the meantime, let us know in the comments if you're ready for another ride with these mercenaries or if the Western genre needs to ride off into the sunset for a while.

Garcelle Beauvais has officially left the zip code of Beverly Hills, but she isn't leaving the drama behind. In fact, she’s leveled up from screaming at dinner parties to solving murders. Peacock has officially snagged a development deal for Keep Your Friends Close, a murder mystery series that feels like the natural evolution for a woman who has spent years navigating a circle of friends who would arguably sell each other out for a guest spot on a reunion special. Produced by Beauvais and Leo Richardson, the mind behind the addictive messiness of Tell Me Lies, this project is being billed as a cross between The Burbs and Knives Out. Set in the manicured, high-stakes world of West Hollywood, the story kicks off when the president of the local Mom’s Club turns up dead. The catch? The killer is almost certainly one of her "best friends." It’s a premise that feels tailor-made for the Peacock streaming era: glossy, slightly mean-spirited, and obsessed with the cracks in a perfect social veneer. For fans of Garcelle Beauvais, this move is a pivot that makes total sense. Having recently walked away from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to find a "fresh start," she is leaning hard into her scripted roots. While it’s currently unclear if she will step in front of the camera as the jaded detective tasked with cracking the case, her fingerprints are all over the executive producer credits. Richardson’s involvement suggests the writing will be sharp enough to draw blood, moving away from the campiness of a soap and toward something more biting and cynical. The timing couldn't be better for Peacock. The platform has found its stride with "guilty pleasure" mysteries like Poker Face and Based on a True Story, proving there is a massive appetite for crime stories that don't take themselves too seriously. Keep Your Friends Close aims to tap into that same vein of suburban satire, poking fun at the intense politics of elite parenting circles while maintaining a genuine whodunit tension. Whether this series becomes the next binge-worthy hit or just another stylish procedural remains to be seen, but with Beauvais at the helm, the fashion will be impeccable and the shade will be lethal. If the show is even half as entertaining as a Beverly Hills cast trip, we’re in for a treat. Keep an eye on this space as casting news drops, we have a few ideas of which former co-stars might make the perfect "suspect" cameos.

BET is bringing back the Black + Iconic Soirée in 2026, and honestly, if any event deserves a spot on the cultural calendar right now, it is this one. The annual celebration honoring Black LGBTQ+ excellence returns Saturday, May 23, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon, Maryland, with Emmy-nominated actress and advocate Laverne Cox set to host the evening. The Black + Iconic Soirée has become one of the network’s most meaningful events, spotlighting leaders, creatives, advocates, and changemakers whose work continues shaping culture while pushing conversations around equity, visibility, and representation forward. At a time when authentic storytelling still feels oddly revolutionary in some corners of entertainment, the soirée continues carving out a space dedicated to celebrating intersectionality without watering it down for comfort. Laverne Cox stepping in as host feels like an ideal fit. Over the years, Cox has built a career defined not only by groundbreaking performances but also by outspoken advocacy and cultural influence. Whether through acting, producing, or activism, she remains one of the entertainment industry’s most visible and important voices for LGBTQ+ representation. Meanwhile, comedian and content creator Lavelle Dontae will host the red carpet festivities, which means viewers can probably expect a healthy mix of sharp humor, standout fashion moments, and at least one celebrity interview that instantly becomes meme material online. The evening will also feature a special performance from Grammy-nominated singer Tweet, whose smooth vocals and timeless R&B sound remain criminally underrated. BET confirmed the singer-songwriter will perform two songs during the event, adding a soulful musical layer to an evening already centered around celebration and reflection. According to BET, the Black + Iconic Soirée will once again bring together influential voices from entertainment, advocacy, and culture for an intimate evening focused on storytelling, recognition, and impact. The event will include awards presentations, live performances, and select moments captured for a pre-taped streaming experience. Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Audience Development for Paramount Television Entertainment Group, described the soirée as more than simply an awards event. In a statement, Hayes emphasized the importance of honoring voices and leaders actively shaping culture while expanding opportunities for future generations. And that mission matters. While Hollywood frequently loves to celebrate diversity in carefully curated press statements, events like the Black + Iconic Soirée actually center the people doing the work. It is not performative applause for inclusion trends. It is recognition rooted in visibility, advocacy, artistry, and community impact. BET has increasingly leaned into programming and live events that amplify underrepresented voices beyond surface-level representation, and the continued growth of the Black + Iconic Soirée reflects an audience hungry for spaces that feel genuine rather than corporate-approved. With Laverne Cox leading the evening, Tweet bringing the music, and a room full of influential Black LGBTQ+ voices taking center stage, the 2026 Black + Iconic Soirée already sounds like one of the year’s most meaningful celebrations. And frankly, television could use a lot more events like it.

Quiet the Alberg alarms and put the kettle on, because Fox has decided we haven't spent quite enough time wandering the foggy, murder-prone shores of Gibsons. In a move that surprised exactly no one who tracks Nielsen ratings and "cozy vibes," Murder in a Small Town has been officially greenlit for Season 3. It seems the network has found its sweet spot: a show where the sweaters are chunky, the library is suspiciously well-funded, and the body count is high enough to make you wonder why anyone still lives in this particular corner of British Columbia. While Season 2 leaned heavily into the "will they or won't they" tension between Chief Karl Alberg and Cassandra Lee, Season 3 looks to broaden the horizons or at least add a few more complicated faces to the local marina. The renewal comes on the heels of a viewership bump that proves audiences are still very much in the mood for a procedural that feels like a warm hug, even if that hug occasionally involves a crime scene. The biggest headline for the upcoming installment is the addition of Peter Gallagher. The man with the most famous eyebrows in Hollywood is joining the cast as Rod Finlayson. According to early character descriptions, Rod is a "charismatic but unreliable" figure who moves into the local marina and immediately starts making life difficult for Karl. It’s a casting choice that feels almost too perfect for the show’s aesthetic; adding Gallagher to a coastal mystery is like adding sea salt to caramel, it just works. Production is reportedly kicking off in early 2026, with the gorgeous Sunshine Coast once again serving as the backdrop. Expect more of the same moody cinematography and slow-burn investigation that has become the series' trademark. Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk remain the heart of the operation, providing that steady, reliable chemistry that keeps the show from drifting too far into "crime of the week" territory. For fans of The TV Cave, this renewal is a win for the "Low Stakes, High Quality" genre. It isn't trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just trying to make sure the wheel is polished and rolling through a very scenic town. As we look toward the 2026-27 season, the real question isn't whether Karl will solve the next case, but whether he and Cassandra can finally have a dinner date that doesn't end with a radio call from the station. Keep your eyes on this space as we get closer to the premiere date. We’ll be tracking every casting update and behind-the-scenes look to see if Season 3 can maintain that delicate balance of small-town charm and big-time crime. In the meantime, maybe stay away from the Gibsons marina after dark. Just a thought.

Apparently the Behavioral Analysis Unit can never have one normal year. Paramount+ has officially unveiled the trailer and key art for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19, and the long-running crime drama is diving headfirst into another twisted psychological showdown when the new season premieres Thursday, May 28. The season kicks off with a two-episode premiere before rolling out weekly through the July 23 finale. And if the trailer proves anything, it is that the BAU may be dealing with a threat even more unsettling than your average serial killer with a superiority complex, which, frankly, is saying a lot for this franchise. This time around, the spotlight once again falls on Elias Voit, played by Zach Gilford, whose complicated role within the series continues to blur the lines between monster, manipulator, and reluctant ally. After spending last season becoming one of the franchise’s most memorable villains, Voit is now attempting some version of redemption. Naturally, that goes horribly wrong almost immediately. Season 19 introduces a chilling new UnSub known only as “The Fan,” a meticulous and deeply disturbed admirer obsessed with Voit’s legacy. Because apparently true crime fandom has officially entered its villain era. According to Paramount+, The Fan is “precise, calculating, and relentlessly dangerous,” pushing the BAU to its limits while operating under the shadow of his idol. And honestly? That setup feels tailor-made for Criminal Minds at its best. The series has always thrived when it leans into psychological cat-and-mouse games rather than relying solely on shock value. The trailer hints at a season filled with paranoia, manipulation, and escalating danger as the team struggles to stay ahead of an adversary who seems determined to outdo the very killer he worships. Returning cast members include franchise veterans Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster alongside Zach Gilford and RJ Hatanaka. At this point, the cast moves together with the effortless chemistry of people who have collectively survived approximately 700 fictional traumatic events. Showrunner Erica Messer continues steering the series, and one of the more impressive things about Criminal Minds: Evolution is how effectively it revived a franchise many assumed had already wrapped up its story. Instead of feeling like a nostalgia cash grab, the Paramount+ revival sharpened the procedural formula with darker storytelling, serialized arcs, and character dynamics that finally had room to breathe. Season 19 also brings an impressive slate of guest stars, including Justin Kirk, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jeri Ryan, Clark Gregg, Paul F. Tompkins, Cress Williams, Kofi Siriboe, Dash Mihok, and Nicholas Gonzalez. If nothing else, the BAU apparently has an excellent casting department lurking somewhere behind the scenes. The biggest question heading into the new season is whether Elias Voit can genuinely change or if redemption is simply another performance. Criminal Minds has never been particularly interested in easy answers, especially when it comes to profiling the psychology of violence and obsession. One thing is certain: if The Fan is truly more dangerous than the person he idolizes, the BAU may be heading into one of its most intense battles yet. And considering this team has spent nearly two decades chasing nightmares for a living, that is a very uncomfortable thought. Speaking of criminals check out our interviews with the cast of Peacock's newest crime drama M.I.A. below.

Winter has arrived on the South Side, and apparently peace was never invited. Paramount+ has officially dropped the trailer and key art for The Chi final season, giving fans a first look at the long-running drama’s last chapter before it premieres Friday, May 22. After seven seasons of heartbreak, betrayals, hookups, shootouts, and enough family drama to power three soap operas, Lena Waithe’s acclaimed series is preparing to close the book with what looks like its darkest stretch yet. And based on the newly released footage, The Chi is not interested in quietly riding off into the sunset. The Season 8 trailer leans heavily into tension, warning viewers that “life or death choices” are coming for nearly everyone still standing. The series has always balanced neighborhood politics with deeply personal storytelling, but the final season appears determined to raise the stakes one last time. Legacy, survival, loyalty, and revenge all take center stage as longtime characters face the consequences of years’ worth of decisions, good, bad, and extremely questionable. Returning cast members include Jacob Latimore, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Hannaha Hall, and Jason Weaver, all of whom have helped turn The Chi into one of television’s most consistent ensemble dramas. Even when the series occasionally wandered into “wait… what are we doing here?” territory, the performances always kept viewers invested. That emotional connection is a huge reason why The Chi lasted as long as it did. Since debuting in 2018, the series carved out a loyal audience by exploring life on Chicago’s South Side with humanity, style, and an ear for authentic relationships. The show never pretended its characters were perfect, which honestly made them far more compelling to watch. Lena Waithe returns as creator and executive producer alongside co-showrunners Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel. The final season will consist of 10 episodes released weekly on Fridays through Paramount+ Premium, giving fans one last weekly appointment television experience before everyone inevitably starts arguing online about how it should end. And let’s be honest: ending a beloved series is tricky business. Television history is littered with finales that left viewers staring blankly at their screens wondering whether someone lost a bet in the writers’ room. But if the trailer is any indication, The Chi seems determined to go out swinging emotionally rather than playing it safe. The biggest challenge for Season 8 will be balancing closure with the messy realism that made the show resonate in the first place. Fans do not necessarily need every storyline wrapped in a neat little bow. They just want an ending that feels earned and preferably one that does not leave half the cast emotionally destroyed by episode two. Though saying goodbye will not be easy, The Chi final season already looks poised to deliver the intensity and emotional weight longtime viewers expect. Whether these characters find redemption, revenge, or complete disaster remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this South Side winter is going to be cold.

Mavis Beaumont is back, and frankly, we’re all a little better for it. Netflix finally stopped playing games this morning, dropping the teaser for the third and final season of Survival of the Thickest. During a set at the Netflix Is A Joke festival, Michelle Buteau our collective best friend and the woman keeping the colorful jumpsuit industry in business confirmed that the final batch of episodes will hit our screens on July 2, 2026. Grab your favorite beverage and clear your calendar; Mavis is going out on her own terms, and the trailer suggests she’s doing it with a closet full of sequins and zero patience for mediocre men. The Survival of the Thickest Season 3 Teaser: All Sides Are Good Sides The newly released teaser doesn’t waste a second. It opens with Mavis demanding someone "get my good side," only to immediately correct herself: "It’s all my sides." It is the kind of energy we’ve come to expect from a show that has spent two seasons teaching us that self-love isn't just a Pinterest quote; it’s a full-time job. While the clip is short, it’s packed with the vibrant, saturated New York City aesthetic that makes the show feel like a warm hug from someone who also happens to have a lot of gossip. We see flashes of Mavis navigating her growing styling empire, looking stressed but impeccable, which is basically the show’s entire brand. A Guest List That Puts Your New Year’s Party to Shame If you thought the previous seasons were star-studded, Season 3 is clearly aiming for a trophy. The teaser confirms an absurdly high-profile guest roster. We’re talking about Wanda Sykes, Ice-T, and Ronny Chieng. Even fashion icon Jenna Lyons and model Ashley Graham are showing up to play in Mavis’s sandbox. The fact that Garcelle Beauvais and Kandi Burruss are also slated to appear suggests that the "Final Season" budget was put to very good use. It’s a bold move to pack this many icons into one season, but if anyone can manage that many massive personalities while styling a photoshoot, it’s Mavis. Behind the Scenes and Story Details What makes this final run particularly interesting is the creative control being handed over to the architects of the show. Both Michelle Buteau and co-creator Danielle Sanchez-Witzel are stepping behind the camera to make their directorial debuts this season. Plot-wise, we know Marouane Zotti has been promoted to a series regular, which means the "will-they-won't-they" tension between Mavis and Luca is likely to reach its breaking point. We’re also expecting Tone Bell to return as Khalil, hopefully still providing the voice of reason while Mavis tries to balance her skyrocketing career with the fact that her personal life is often a beautiful disaster. Marouane Zotti as Luca and Michelle Buteau as Mavis Beaumont in Episode #301 of Survival of the Thickest S3. Cr. Vanessa Clifton/ Netflix © 2025 The Verdict on the Final Run Netflix deciding to end the show at Season 3 feels bittersweet. On one hand, we’d watch Mavis Beaumont organize a sock drawer for ten seasons. On the other hand, there is something to be said for a comedy that knows when to take a bow before it gets stale. Survival of the Thickest has always been a rare gem: a show about a plus-size woman that isn’t a tragedy or a "before" photo. It’s loud, it’s stylish, and it’s unapologetically Black and fabulous. If the teaser is any indication, the final season will double down on the heart and the high-fashion sass that made us fall in love with it in the first place. Keep your eyes on The TV Cave as we get closer to the July 2 release date. We’ll be here to recap every outfit, every heartbreak, and every time Mavis tells it like it is. What are your predictions for Mavis and Luca? Drop a comment and let us know if you think they’re endgame or if Mavis belongs to the streets of NYC.