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Chris Noth Says He’s ‘Lucky’ Big Was Killed Off at the Beginning of “And Just Like That…” in Latest Jab at Sarah Jessica Parker

February 05, 2026

Chris Noth Says He's 'Lucky' Big Was Killed Off at the Beginning of "And Just Like That…" in Latest Jab at Sarah Jessica Parker Madison E. GoldbergFebruary 5, 2026 at 10:39 PM 0 Sarah Jessica Parker; Chris Noth Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Manoli Figetakis/Getty Chris Noth said he was "very lucky" to be written off And Just Like That... It is the actor's latest remark that appears to be a jab at his former Sex and the City costar Sarah Jessica Parker Noth was written off of And Just Like That...

- - Chris Noth Says He's 'Lucky' Big Was Killed Off at the Beginning of "And Just Like That…" in Latest Jab at Sarah Jessica Parker

Madison E. GoldbergFebruary 5, 2026 at 10:39 PM

0

Sarah Jessica Parker; Chris Noth

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Manoli Figetakis/Getty

Chris Noth said he was "very lucky" to be written off And Just Like That...

It is the actor's latest remark that appears to be a jab at his former Sex and the City costar Sarah Jessica Parker

Noth was written off of And Just Like That... following a series of sexual assault allegations, and Parker allegedly no longer keeps in touch with him

Noth has previously denied the allegations

Chris Noth quipped that he was "lucky" to be written off the Sex and the City sequel And Just Like That... in his latest remarks that appear to be targeted towards his long-time onscreen love interest Sarah Jessica Parker.

Noth, 71, spoke about his role as Mr. Big in an interview with the Daily Mail at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show in New York on Wednesday, Feb. 4. When asked how he felt about his character being killed off nearly five years ago, the actor said with a smile, "Very good. I was very lucky."

Noth's character exited the show in the first episode of AJLT, during which he appears to suffer a cardiac arrest while working out on a Peloton machine. The show concluded in August 2025.

The former Law & Order actor went on to claim that he still keeps in touch with John Corbett, who played Aidan Shaw on both shows, and the rival to Big for Carrie Bradshaw's (Parker) affections. "He's doing wonderful," Noth added of Corbett, 64.

Noth did not offer further comment regarding the end of his friendship with Parker, 60, but claimed he reached out to fellow SATC alum Kim Cattrall "a few months ago" to wish her a happy birthday.

"She's living in London, I think," Noth added of Cattrall, 69, who played Samantha Jones. Cattrall's character also now lives in London, as the Sex and the City follow-up series explained.

Chris Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker in 'And Just Like That...'

Craig Blankenhorn/HBO Max

Noth recently spoke about the end of his friendship with Parker on the Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson.

"We're not friends, I think that's pretty obvious," he said, and added that he believed this was directly related to Parker's response to the multiple allegations of sexual assault against him, first published by the The Hollywood Reporter In 2021.

This included rape allegations from two women dating back to 2004 and 2015. A third woman later told the Daily Beast that Noth sexually assaulted her in 2010.

Noth denied all of the allegations at the time and said he "would never cross that line." He also described the stories as "fabrication" and "bad fiction."

Shortly afterward, Parker and her SATC castmates Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis released a statement, which said that they were "deeply saddened" about the allegations.

"We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it," they added.

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Speaking to Really Famous, Noth replied to the statement by describing it as "nothing more than brand management."

"It was sad, it was disappointing, it was surprising," Noth added. "Because you need to call me and hear my side of this. You've known me for many years, and we've worked [together] for many years."

"I get it, that's more Hollywood than Hollywood," he continued. "But before you make that statement, you know me, you've known me all these years, give me a call so I can give you the real scoop about this. And that didn't happen, and that was too bad."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

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Source: Entertainment

Published: February 05, 2026 at 02:01PM on Source: MANUEL MAG

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Don Lemon reveals messy details of the moment he was arrested: 'They want to embarrass you'

February 05, 2026
New Photo - Don Lemon reveals messy details of the moment he was arrested: 'They want to embarrass you'

&34;They didn't have a warrant, so they had to wait for someone from the outside, an FBI guy, to come in to show me a warrant on his cell phone,&34; Lemon said. Don Lemon reveals messy details of the moment he was arrested: 'They want to embarrass you' &34;They didn't have a warrant, so they had to wait for someone from the outside, an FBI guy, to come in to show me a warrant on his cell phone,&34; Lemon said. :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JoeyNolfiauthorphotoba4923fec03a4027868306485696ef41.jpg) Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at .

"They didn't have a warrant, so they had to wait for someone from the outside, an FBI guy, to come in to show me a warrant on his cell phone," Lemon said.

Don Lemon reveals messy details of the moment he was arrested: 'They want to embarrass you'

"They didn't have a warrant, so they had to wait for someone from the outside, an FBI guy, to come in to show me a warrant on his cell phone," Lemon said.

Joey Nolfi, senior writer at

Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at *. *Since 2016, his work at EW includes *RuPaul's Drag Race* video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 3, 2026 10:18 a.m. ET

Don Lemon on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

Don Lemon on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'. Credit:

Former CNN journalist and independent reporter Don Lemon has revealed allegedly messy details about his recent arrest on federal charges related to his live coverage of a Minnesota church service led by an ICE-affiliated pastor.

Days after Lemon's apprehension, the journalist appeared Monday night on *Jimmy Kimmel Live*, where he sat for an in-depth interview as he told the talk show host about the moment he was taken into custody.

"I'm okay, but I'm not going to let them steal my joy. But this is very serious. These are federal, criminal charges," Lemon, 59, told Kimmel, who also found himself at the center of a public battle of words with the Donald Trump administration following his temporary suspension from ABC over comments he made about controversial commentator Charlie Kirk's assassination late last year.

Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023 before launching his own independent coverage channels, then walked Kimmel through the moment he was arrested last Friday in the early morning hours, with the incident occurring as he made his way back to his hotel after attending a pre-Grammys event in Los Angeles.**

Don Lemon speaks to Jimmy Kimmel about his arrest

Don Lemon speaks to Jimmy Kimmel about his arrest.

"All of a sudden, I feel myself being jostled and people trying to grab me and put me in handcuffs," Lemon recalled, noting that they told him, "We came to arrest you," allegedly without initially identifying themselves to him. Lemon said that, after he learned who they were, he asked, "'If you are you you are, where's the warrant?' They didn't have a warrant, so they had to wait for someone from the outside, an FBI guy, to come in to show me a warrant on his cell phone."

He then said, "A bunch of guys, they took me outside — FBI guys were out there — it had to be maybe a dozen people, which is a waste, Jimmy, of resources," noting that he'd earlier informed officials that, if he were to be arrested, he'd turn himself in to save the government time and money.

"They want to embarrass you, they want to intimidate you, they want to instill fear, that's why they did it that way," he said.****Lemon said he was taken to a holding place in the federal courthouse for approximately 13 hours, though he wasn't held in a jail cell. He "never had one phone call," despite asking for one, but was denied at first.

'View' stars defend Don Lemon after his arrest over ICE coverage: 'Not going to play dead'

Sunny Hostin on 'The View'; Don Lemon

Don Lemon gets standing ovation at Grammys party after arrest

Don Lemon is seen in the audience during the Recording Academy and Clive Davis' Salute To Industry Icons pre-Grammy gala at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California on January 31, 2026.

Lemon was eventually able to call his husband and his lawyer, and recounted that his husband only found out where he was because, as he was taken into an FBI vehicle, he asked an agent if they could take his diamond bracelet off and return it to his husband in their hotel room. "Otherwise," Lemon said, "no one would've known where I was."

Earlier in the interview, Lemon maintained that "I'm not a protester. I went there to be a journalist," which he said he did as he recorded and documented the activity in the church on Jan. 18 during a demonstration where protestors pushed back against St. Paul's Cities Church mass pastor.

Lemon rounded out the interview by thanking those who've supported in him the aftermath, as he prepares to wage a legal battle against the Department of Justice. He was taken into custody upon a grand jury indicting him on charges of conspiracy and interference with First Amendment rights of churchgoers who attended the mass.

** has reached out to the White House and the Department of Justice for comment on Lemon's interview with Kimmel.

Last week, Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, provided a statement to EW shortly after the journalist's arrest, confirming that he'd been apprehended by agents before he was released later Friday on a personal recognizance bond.

"Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done," the statement read. "This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court."

Lemon also spoke to reporters shortly after his release, telling the crowd of journalists gathered to hear him speak that "the First Amendment of the constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court."

Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement of her own, saying in an online video, "Make no mistake. Under President Trump's leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely," later stressing, "And if I haven't been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you."

Watch Lemon's interview with Kimmel in the *Jimmy Kimmel Live* clip above.**

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Source: "EW Celebrity"

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Published: February 05, 2026 at 01:58PM on Source: MANUEL MAG

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The 22 best thriller series on Netflix

February 05, 2026
New Photo - The 22 best thriller series on Netflix

The streamer carries prestige dramas and teen screams. The 22 best thriller series on Netflix The streamer carries prestige dramas and teen screams. By Janey Tracey and Kevin Jacobsen on February 5, 2026 6:11 a.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ParkHaesooJungHoyeonSquidGameKeiraKnightleyBlackDovesJulietteLewisChristinaRicciYELLOWJACKETS0130261eb68134ca5b45789bebd4e382a993ca.

The streamer carries prestige dramas and teen screams.

The 22 best thriller series on Netflix

The streamer carries prestige dramas and teen screams.

By Janey Tracey and Kevin Jacobsen

on February 5, 2026 6:11 a.m. ET

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Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'; Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'; Juliette Lewis as Natalie Scatorccio and Christina Ricci as Misty Quigley on 'Yellowjackets'

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'; Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'; Juliette Lewis as Natalie Scatorccio and Christina Ricci as Misty Quigley on 'Yellowjackets'. Credit:

Noh Juhan/Netflix; Ludovic Robert/Netflix; Kailey Schwerman/Showtime

Now that it's a global streaming giant, it's easy to forget that Netflix first made waves in 2013 with the political thriller *House of Cards*, which set a new standard for on-demand television and earned multiple Emmy Awards.

Since then, Netflix has continued to deliver top-notch thrillers across genres, including *Squid Game*, a pandemic-era phenomenon that captivated audiences with its high-stakes survival drama and social commentary. The platform is also home to modern classics like *Breaking Bad*, which redefined crime dramas, and new favorites like *Yellowjackets*, which perfectly blends '90s nostalgia with survival horror.

Whether you're in the mood for tense political dramas, gritty crime sagas, or mind-bending psychological stunners, these 22 shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are the best thriller series on Netflix right now, as of February 2026.

James Franco as Jake Epping in '11.22.63'

James Franco as Jake Epping in '11.22.63'.

Russ Martin/Hulu

Stephen King adaptations tend to be hit or miss, but this eight-part limited series is among the better ones. James Franco stars as Jake Epping, a modern-day English teacher who travels back to 1960 via portal, with a mission of stopping the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. While facing the immense pressure of every action he takes threatening to change the course of history, Jake's mission is nonetheless complicated when he finds himself liking the new identity he's forged. Through suspenseful storytelling and committed performances, the series treats what could have felt like a goofy story with earnest, thoughtful care. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *11.22.63*: Netflix

**Cast:** James Franco, Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Lucy Fry, George MacKay

Black Doves (2024–present)

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

This pulpy spy thriller series goes down best if you don't think too hard about the plausibility of its plot. Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence, who is also a spy covertly working for a mercenary group known as the Black Doves. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes down a dangerous path to investigate the culprit and teams up with her hitman friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) to find answers. EW's critic calls *Black Doves* "a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper," buoyed by complex performances from Knightley and Whishaw, plus a scene-stealing Sarah Lancashire as Helen's enigmatic handler. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Doves*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Black Rabbit (2025)

Jude Law as Jake Friedken and Jason Bateman as Vince Friedken in 'Black Rabbit'

Jude Law as Jake Friedken and Jason Bateman as Vince Friedken in 'Black Rabbit'.

Family is everything. It can also complicate things in ways you can't even imagine, as explored in this gritty miniseries from Kate Susman and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Zach Baylin. Jude Law stars as Jake, the owner of an upscale restaurant whose life is turned upside down upon the reemergence of his troubled brother, Vince (Jason Bateman). Vince is in trouble with loan sharks, and Jake feels obligated to help him settle his debts, leading to a chaotic series of events. EW's critic calls *Black Rabbit* a "propulsive crime caper about the burden of family history." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Rabbit*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jude Law, Jason Bateman, Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Troy Kotsur

The Blacklist (2013–2023)

James Spader as Raymond 'Red' Reddington on 'The Blacklist'

James Spader as Raymond 'Red' Reddington on 'The Blacklist'. Scott Gries/NBC

*The Blacklist* is thrilling for James Spader's performance alone. The series begins with criminal mastermind Raymond "Red" Reddington (Spader) turning himself in to the FBI and offering information about his shady cohorts, but only if he can work with a specific profiler, Elizabeth "Liz" Keen (Megan Boone). With 10 seasons of twists and turns, *The Blacklist* evolves far beyond the question of why Red is so interested in Liz and remains binge-worthy all the way through (even if the plot is a tad bit ridiculous at times). —*Janey Tracey*

Where to watch *The Blacklist*: Netflix

**Cast:** James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd and Keeley Hawes as Julia Montague in 'Bodyguard'. World Productions/Netflix

A sleeper hit that became the U.K.'s most-watched drama on record, *Bodyguard* stars Richard Madden as a war veteran with PTSD assigned to protect a high-profile politician with controversial views. Madden's performance won him a Golden Globe, and the nerve-shredding action sequences make it a supremely thrilling watch. EW's writer praises the portrayal of women in positions of power and the "what-the-heck-is-even-happening moments" that keep you clicking "next episode." —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman in a promotional photo for 'Breaking Bad'

Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman in a promotional photo for 'Breaking Bad'. Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Widely considered one of the best TV series of all time, *Breaking Bad* charts the rise and fall of Walter White, a down-on-his-luck chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and starts manufacturing meth to provide for his pregnant wife and teenage son. Bryan Cranston delivers a career-defining performance, and Walt's transformation from family man to ruthless drug lord is one of the most gripping arcs in television history.

The series' success led to a prequel spinoff centered on fan-favorite character Saul Goodman, as well as a movie sequel in which Aaron Paul reprises his role as Walt's troubled yet empathetic young accomplice, Jesse. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Breaking Bad*: Netflix

**Cast:** Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk

Dark (2017–2020)

Louis Hofmann as Jonas Kahnwald on 'Dark'

Louis Hofmann as Jonas Kahnwald on 'Dark'.

Julia Terjung/Netflix

This German thriller starts with the disappearance of two children from a small town, but it quickly morphs into a labyrinthine tale of time travel and interconnected families across generations. The series' non-linear narrative and intricate puzzles demand your full attention — this is not the kind of show you can watch while doing your laundry — but it's worth it, as the unfolding mystery explores heady concepts like parallel worlds, timeline paradoxes, and the idea that the past, present, and future are all inextricably linked. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Dark*: Netflix

**Cast:** Louis Hofmann, Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn

Dept. Q (2025–present)

Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck and Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim on 'Dept. Q'

Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck and Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim on 'Dept. Q'.

The sins of the past intersect in both the personal and professional life of Deputy Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) in this moody psychological crime thriller. Following a shooting incident, Morck returns to the force, where the department chief assigns him the responsibility of solving the city's many cold cases. The thrills of *Dept. Q* are more of a slow, building suspense but no less satisfying, with an eye for character development as Morck adjusts to his new reality and grapples with various traumas. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dept. Q*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne

The Diplomat (2023–present)

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler on 'The Diplomat'

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler on 'The Diplomat'.

Courtesy of Netflix

Keri Russell casting and marital strife are always a good mix. On *The Diplomat*, Russell gives a standout, Emmy-nominated performance as Kate Wyler, a newly appointed U.S. ambassador navigating geopolitical conflicts while struggling to keep her tumultuous marriage intact. While not nearly as serious as *The Americans*, the show's blend of international affairs, witty dialogue, and relationship drama is a fresh and engaging take on the political thriller genre. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Diplomat*: Netflix

**Cast:** Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi

Homeland (2011–2020)

Claire Danes as Claire Mathison on 'Homeland'

Claire Danes as Claire Mathison on 'Homeland'.

Erica Parise/Showtime

This gripping political thriller may go in some wild directions during its eight seasons, but the ride is worth it nonetheless. Claire Danes stars as Carrie Mathison, a brilliant CIA officer living with bipolar disorder who develops a fixation on a Marine Corps veteran she believes has been recruited by al-Qaeda. "At the center of *Homeland*'s appeal is the fact that it is at once timely and escapist," writes EW's critic. "The series takes seriously the notion that America is still very much a terrorism target, that the killing of Osama bin Laden may have driven our enemies both deeper underground and into a deeper rage." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Homeland*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, Morena Baccarin, David Harewood

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood on 'House of Cards'

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood on 'House of Cards'.

Patrick Harbron/Netflix

Netflix's first critical juggernaut, *House of Cards* follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a ruthless politician who manipulates, blackmails, and betrays his way to the top with the help of his wife, the Lady Macbeth-esque Claire (Robin Wright). The first few seasons juxtapose his power struggles in government with the complex dynamics in his marriage, but after Spacey's departure, Wright takes center stage, transforming the show into a story about her character's ascent to power (as it should be). —*J.T.*

Where to watch *House of Cards*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast**: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Mahershala Ali

The 18 best thrillers to watch on Netflix right now

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The 17 best true crime shows on Hulu for your inner sleuth

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Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Jodie Comer as Villanelle on 'Killing Eve'

Jodie Comer as Villanelle on 'Killing Eve'.

Anika Molnar/BBCA

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer give powerhouse performances in this game of cat and mouse between MI5 agent Eve Polastri (Oh) and the charismatic assassin Villanelle (Comer). Known for its razor-sharp dialogue from writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and for Villanelle's fabulous wardrobe, *Killing Eve* was a cultural moment, especially in its first season. The thriller series had a famously divisive ending, but we'll always have Comer's iconic Villanelle and her fluffy pink dress. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Killing Eve*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Holt McCallany as Bill Tench and Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford on 'Mindhunter'

Holt McCallany as Bill Tench and Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford on 'Mindhunter'. Patrick Harbron/Netflix

Set in the late-1970s, *Mindhunter* follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they develop the first criminal profiling system by interviewing notorious serial killers. With each unsettling session, the agents gain deeper insights into the criminal mind — and the job starts taking a greater toll on their own psyches. In addition to David Fincher's stylish direction,* Mindhunter* stands out for its chilling performances, especially Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper and Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, whom the latter also played in *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Mindhunter*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv

Money Heist (2017–2021)

(From left to right): Hovik Keuchkerian as Santiago Lopez, Úrsula Corberó as Silene Oliveira, Rodrigo de la Serna as Martín Berrote, and Itziar Ituño as Raquel Murillo on 'Money Heist'

(From left to right): Hovik Keuchkerian as Santiago Lopez, Úrsula Corberó as Silene Oliveira, Rodrigo de la Serna as Martín Berrote, and Itziar Ituño as Raquel Murillo on 'Money Heist'.

Tamara Assanz/Netflix

The tricky thriller *Money Heist* follows a group of criminals, led by the enigmatic "Professor," as they carry out meticulously planned heists at the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. Initially a two-part limited series, its popularity on Netflix led to multiple renewals, ending with a fifth season in 2021 and inspiring a South Korean adaptation and a spinoff, *Berlin*. By the time the final season aired, *Money Heist* was the top streaming TV show in the world, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Money Heist*: Netflix

**Cast:** Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño

The Night Agent (2023–present)

Luciane Buchanan as Rose Larkin and Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland on 'The Night Agent'

Luciane Buchanan as Rose Larkin and Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland on 'The Night Agent'. Dan Power/Netflix

*The Night Agent *follows Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level FBI agent who uncovers a major conspiracy after answering a rarely used emergency line. Following its premiere on Netflix in March 2023, it quickly became the platform's third-most-watched debut series thanks to its binge-ability, the chemistry between the leads, and its entertaining mixture of old-fashioned spy thriller tropes and frankly insane conspiracy twists. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Night Agent*: Netflix

**Cast:** Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau

Orphan Black (2013–2017)

Tatiana Maslany as Helena and Sarah Manning on 'Orphan Black'

Tatiana Maslany as Helena and Sarah Manning on 'Orphan Black'.

Kena Woroner/BBC America

Tatiana Maslany isn't the only reason to watch this gripping sci-fi series, but she's certainly the main attraction. The actress, who won an Emmy for her multifaceted work, plays five genetic clones, each with their own distinct personality and lifestyle. As one of the clones discovers the existence of the others, she soon finds herself on the run from various factions intent on capturing and/or killing her and her sisters. The five-season series delves into potent themes of identity, corruption, and ethics as we hurdle toward a future dominated by technology. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Orphan Black*: Netflix

**Cast:** Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando

Ozark (2017–2022)

Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde on 'Ozark'

Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde on 'Ozark'.

Steve Dietl/Netflix

*Ozark* follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial planner who gets in over his head after laundering money for a drug cartel, forcing his family to relocate to the Ozarks. If that sounds similar to *Breaking Bad*, it is, especially with the added layers of complex marriage and family dynamics as they all quickly become complicit in Marty's crimes. Each season raises the stakes with tension that never lets up, leading to an unforgettable, bleak finale. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Ozark*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Park Hae-soo as Cho Sang-woo, Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'

Park Hae-soo as Cho Sang-woo, Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'.

*Squid Game* may have only debuted in 2021, but the masked guards and giant robot doll are already pop culture iconography. The South Korean thriller series, which follows a group of desperate participants competing in deadly children's games for a massive cash prize, combines shocking violence with poignant social commentary about wealth disparity. The show garnered a huge following during the pandemic and broke Netflix viewership records, inspiring countless memes, Halloween costumes, and fan theories. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Squid Game*: Netflix

**Cast:** Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su

The Tourist (2022–present)

Jamie Dornan as Elliot Stanley on 'The Tourist'

Jamie Dornan as Elliot Stanley on 'The Tourist'.

Steffan Hill/Netflix

In *The Tourist*, Jamie Dornan plays a man who wakes up with amnesia in the remote Australian outback with no idea why dangerous figures are hunting him down. This may seem like a silly premise, and it is, but the show pulls it off thanks to the sharp, self-aware writing, strong performances, and a sweet, unconventional romance between Dornan's character and the constable–turned–aspiring detective (Danielle Macdonald) who helps him search for the truth. The second season was equally entertaining, and while there hasn't been any renewal announcement, never say never to a season 3. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Tourist*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Damon Herriman

Wayward (2025)

Toni Collette as Evelyn Wade on 'Wayward'

Toni Collette as Evelyn Wade on 'Wayward'.

Courtesy of Netflix

The premise of *Wayward* may sound familiar to connoisseurs of mystery thrillers: Two teenage girls, who attend an academy for troubled youth, investigate dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary small town. What elevates *Wayward* above other shows of its variety is the quality of the cast (Toni Collette as the academy's charismatic head teacher is an obvious highlight) and its unique perspective. Created by Mae Martin, who also stars as a police officer who identifies as nonbinary, the series delves into the difficulties of being ostracized in one's community. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Wayward*: Netflix

**Cast:** Mae Martin, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, Toni Collette, Sarah Gadon

Yellowjackets (2021–present)

Melanie Lynskey as Shauna Sadecki, Tawny Cypress as Taissa Turner, Juliette Lewis as Natalie Scatorccio, and Christina Ricci as Misty Quigley on 'Yellowjackets'

Melanie Lynskey as Shauna Sadecki, Tawny Cypress as Taissa Turner, Juliette Lewis as Natalie Scatorccio, and Christina Ricci as Misty Quigley on 'Yellowjackets'.

Kailey Schwerman/Showtime

If you crossed *Lost* with *Lord of the Flies* and a heavy dose of female rage, you would get *Yellowjackets*. The show follows a high school girls' soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness, forcing them to do unspeakable things to survive. Told through two timelines, the thriller series blends '90s nostalgia with dark, psychological drama, exploring the brutal complexities of female friendships. Christina Ricci steals the show as the unhinged Misty, while Melanie Lynskey delivers a powerhouse performance as adult Shauna. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Yellowjackets*: Netflix

**Cast:** Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell

You (2018–2025)

Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg on 'You'

Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg on 'You'. Netflix

*You* follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a charming bookstore manager who thinks of himself as a romantic, but his obsessions spiral into stalking and violence. The first season especially satirizes toxic rom-com tropes — if it weren't for Joe's sinister voiceover and occasional murders, he might resemble a persistent, swoon-worthy lead. Badgley's nuanced performance gives Joe unsettling depth, so much so that he often urges fans to stop romanticizing the character. The whole series is now streaming — time to see if Joe finally faced the consequences of his own actions. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *You*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Jenna Ortega

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

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Source: "EW TV"

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Published: February 05, 2026 at 01:58PM on Source: MANUEL MAG

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Meet Kyle Swift on Heated Rivalry: Matthew Finlan talks his Easter egg-style Common Goal role and...

February 05, 2026
New Photo - Meet Kyle Swift on Heated Rivalry: Matthew Finlan talks his Easter egg-style Common Goal role and...

After a bit part in season 1, Finlan hopes to tell the character's romance story in Rachel Reid's books. Meet Kyle Swift on Heated Rivalry: Matthew Finlan talks his Easter eggstyle Common Goal role and season 2 hopes (exclusive) After a bit part in season 1, Finlan hopes to tell the character's romance story in Rachel Reid's books. By Nick Romano :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/NicholasRomanoauthorphotoadc9b60763e34711935cbf7b3d768d24.jpg) Nick Romano is a senior editor at with 15 years of journalism experience covering entertainment.

After a bit part in season 1, Finlan hopes to tell the character's romance story in Rachel Reid's books.

Meet Kyle Swift on Heated Rivalry: Matthew Finlan talks his Easter egg-style Common Goal role and season 2 hopes (exclusive)

After a bit part in season 1, Finlan hopes to tell the character's romance story in Rachel Reid's books.

By Nick Romano

Nicholas Romano author photo

Nick Romano is a senior editor at ** with 15 years of journalism experience covering entertainment. His work previously appeared in *Vanity Fair*, Vulture, IGN, and more.

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February 3, 2026 10:30 a.m. ET

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Heated Rivalry's Matthew Finlan

Matthew Finlan plays Kyle Swift on 'Heated Rivalry' season 1. Credit:

HBO Max; Kyle Kirkwood

- Matthew Finlan appears in *Heated Rivalry* as Kyle Swift, a small season 1 character who leads his own Rachel Reid romance novel.

- Finlan shares his high hopes for season 2 after learning about Kyle's backstory on his first day of shooting.

- The actor recalls auditioning for Scott and Kip before landing Kyle, and shares the "serendipitous" parallels.

For Matthew Finlan, the success of *Heated Rivalry* "has been really good motivation" for his new year's resolution.

The actor, who played the small season 1 role of Kingfisher bartender Kyle Swift, admits he probably daydreams the most about the future of his character when he's in the gym — especially when he hits that weight-training wall where you question whether your muscles can withstand another set. To get over that hump, Finlan just thinks of his costars.

"There are times when I'm like, you never know! A camera might be focusing on your ass in a little bit," a cheeky Finlan tells **.

In the *Heated Rivalry* fandom spheres, Connor Storrie (Ilya Rozanov), Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander), François Arnaud (Scott Hunter), and Robbie G.K. (Kip Grady) get most of the attention for their standout performances in the hot-and-heavy, backside-baring LGBTQ romance about closeted hockey players finding love behind closed doors. But Finlan's role could be a big hint at what's to come in future seasons. At the very least, his presence is a fun Easter egg.

Based on author Rachel Reid's collection of romance novels, season 1 adapted the main events of *Heated Rivalry* (2019), the second novel in the series, while episode 3 as well as parts of episodes 5 and 6 told the love story of Scott and Kip, the central characters of the first book, *Game Changer* (2018). Kyle is but a periphery figure in the TV adaptation who pops in and out of Kip's arc, but the character has his own romance as one of the two leads in Reid's fourth book, *Common Goal*.

Matthew Finlan in Heated Rivalry

Matthew Finlan as Kyle Swift on 'Heated Rivalry'.

Finlan didn't realize the full extent of Kyle's backstory until he started filming his first appearance on *Heated Rivalry* episode 3.

"One of our first shots was when Kip comes into the bar and I'm just like, 'Hey, Kip!'" the actor recalls of that day from his Toronto apartment, shortly after the recent January snowstorm. "Jacob [Tierney, showrunner] was like, 'Great, great, great, great, great. Awesome. So, yeah, just to let you know, there's a whole fourth book where your character has a relentless love, will-they-won't-they with Kip, but he's heartbroken, forlorn, and it never really comes to fruition. So if you can put all of that into two syllables, that would be awesome.'"

'Heated Rivalry' star Hudson Williams opens up on navigating Beatlemania-like crowds: 'Sort of exhausting'

Hudson Williams arrives at the Giorgio Armani fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week - Menswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 on January 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy

'Heated Rivalry' author Rachel Reid announces 'Unrivaled,' a third book about Ilya and Shane

Unrivaled by Rachel Reid.

Finlan, who also appeared in *Hell of a Summer* and *Orphan: First Kill*, doesn't know what's in store for Kyle moving forward. Tierney is busy at work plotting *Heated Rivalry* season 2 for the Canadian streaming platform Crave (to be released in various international territories, including the U.S., on HBO Max) and the TV creator remains tight-lipped about the process.

However, one big Kyle Swift fan theory posits that there could be a "Skip"-style bottle episode or secondary story arc down the line, even though season 2 will continue to focus on the romance between Shane and Ilya. Finlan makes clear, "I know just as much as you — or just as little, let's put it that way."

At this point, he has read *Common Goal* and knows the full trajectory of Kyle's story in Reid's books. "Honestly, I'm trying to familiarize myself with Kyle's journey," Finlan adds. "He speaks like five languages. I'm like, 'Should I be downloading Duolingo?'... Basically, I'm just at the ready. We're here."

Common Goal by Rachel Reid

Cover art for 'Common Goal' by Rachel Reid.

As Reid writes about Kyle in *Common Goal*, the character is a graduate student who moved to New York City to mend a broken heart. Though he promises himself not to get into another complicated relationship, he strikes up a friends-with-benefits "situationship" with Eric Bennett, an older veteran hockey goalie.

When asked about Finlan's role on season 1, Tierney was matter of fact about the casting. "I'm not being coy about that. That's the same Kyle," the showrunner previously told EW. "I don't know what his love life looks like. I don't know what that journey's gonna be or when, but that's the same Kyle for sure."

Finlan nearly turned down the *Heated Rivalry* audition after his team received the character breakdowns for Scott and Kip. The tall and slender 31-year-old had his reservations. "I was like, 'Peace and love, you guys! I'm not Scott Hunter. Let's redact that offer,'" he remembers. His team encouraged him to give it a shot, and though he didn't get the part, Finlan later pivoted to audition for Kip. He clearly didn't get that role either, but felt more of a connection to the smoothie barista.

"[I] felt like I had put some really strong work forward, and then nothing came back and I was like, 'I guess that wasn't mine to have,'" the actor reflects.

In hindsight, he feels an even stronger connection to Kyle and finds his personal life parallels "serendipitous." He didn't audition for Mr. Swift, but the casting team, led by Jenny Lewis and Sara Kay, thought he'd be right for the bit part. Finlan was in New York, the stomping grounds of Kyle in *Common Goal*, when he received the message about playing Kyle. "Literally the night before I had just gone to Stonewall for the first time," he notes.

Matthew Finlan in Heated Rivalry

Matthew Finlan, Bianca Nugara, Robbie G.K., and Brandon Ash-Mohammed on 'Heated Rivalry'.

The connections don't stop there. "I found out that I have needed glasses for years. Turns out Kyle also wears glasses. I had no idea," Finlan continues. "He just doesn't wear them at the bar." He also points to his mantle above the fireplace in his apartment, where there rests a framed print of a hockey goalie. The day before his first episode of *Heated Rivalry* aired, he found this thrown-away relic on the sidewalk.

In whatever direction this journey could take, Finlan just hopes to return to *Heated Rivalry* in some capacity. He remembers the camaraderie he felt on set: how he would carpool via shuttle van in the morning with his costars up to the small town of Dundas, Ontario, to film their Kingfisher bar scenes; how they would take ice cream breaks together at the shop around the corner; and how Tierney would sometimes use footage of the gang just hanging out together on set for the show.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

The scene in episode 6 where the Kingfisher patrons are watching Scott on TV, for example, are reaction shots of them watching Oscar winner Olivia Colman's BAFTA acceptance speech. ("We were kind of killing ourselves laughing because [Tierney] was like, 'OK, guys. Take it a little bit more seriously,'" Finlan says.)

Finlan is overwhelmed with pride for the show itself, what he calls this "little indie production" from Canada making it big, as well as cast mates Storrie and Williams, who are carrying the Winter Olympics torch one week, jetting to Paris Fashion Week the next, and soon, for Storrie, hosting *Saturday Night Live*.

"When it clicked for me was when, to put it bluntly, every hookup or coworker who still has my phone number reached out to me to say, 'Wait a minute! Are you Kyle in *Heated Rivalry*?'" Finlan shares of his own experience. "So that solidified the impact that this show has definitely had, not to mention podcasts that I listen to that have nothing to do with entertainment at all have brought up the show, too. It's been this wave. It's been incredible to ride. I hope it doesn't stop."**

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Published: February 05, 2026 at 01:58PM on Source: MANUEL MAG

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Let's talk Han spoilers! Sung Kang and Justin Lin on shocking F9 mid-credits scene, Tokyo Drift s...

February 05, 2026
New Photo - Let's talk Han spoilers! Sung Kang and Justin Lin on shocking F9 mid-credits scene, Tokyo Drift s...

Let's talk Han spoilers! Sung Kang and Justin Lin on shocking F9 midcredits scene, Tokyo Drift sequel By Derek Lawrence :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/derek160e1b72b3389c74b8ca03743731e346949.jpg) Derek Lawrence is a former associate editor at . He left EW in 2022. EW's editorial guidelines June 25, 2021 1:40 p.m. ET Warning: This article contains spoilers for F9. Sung Kang is more than ready to talk. "It's such a relief," he tells EW. "No more calls, and no more texts of how is Han back: 'Come on, spill the beans, we're boys.' Nope, look at the movie.

Let's talk Han spoilers! Sung Kang and Justin Lin on shocking F9 mid-credits scene, Tokyo Drift sequel

By Derek Lawrence

Derek Lawrence

Derek Lawrence is a former associate editor at **. He left EW in 2022.

EW's editorial guidelines

June 25, 2021 1:40 p.m. ET

**Warning: This article contains spoilers for *F9*.**

Sung Kang is more than ready to talk. "It's such a relief," he tells EW. "No more calls, and no more texts of how is Han back: 'Come on, spill the beans, we're boys.' Nope, look at the movie."

It was way back in January 2020 when the action-packed first trailer for *F9* ended with a bang — and a crunch. The always-snacking and long-presumed-dead Han (Kang) was revealed to be alive. Kang's return as the fan-favorite character, who last appeared in 2013's *Fast & Furious 6*, left fans in desperate need of answers. But after an unexpected 13-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, *F9* was finally released in theaters Friday.

For a spoiler-filled *F9* chat, which can be seen in full above, *EW's BINGE: The Fast Saga* was joined by Kang, fellow stars Jordana Brewster and Helen Mirren, and director Justin Lin. If you don't want to know the specifics of Han's revival and that tasty mid-credits scene, or juicy plans for what is next, then go grab a Corona and come back when you've seen the film.

1:46 Vin Diesel and John Cena Riff About the Toretto Family Rules

Han vs. Shaw, let's ride! Going in, we knew that Han was returning and "justice for Han" had been teased — but Jason Statham wasn't expected to appear in *F9*, even recently telling EW of his *Fast* future, "They better bring me back, because I need to put out that fire. If he's got any score to settle, it's with me." Well, consider the score ready to be settled, because *F9*'s mid-credits scene brings back Shaw (Statham) and finds him hitting a punching bag that happens to contain an unidentified man, until there's a knock on the door. Who's there? Han, the beloved family member who audiences and seemingly Shaw himself believed he had killed, as depicted in the mid-credits scene of 2013's *Fast & Furious 6*.

When asked what audiences should take from the *F9* stinger, Kang has a simple yet intriguing tease: "I think there's just one word — Gisele. All roads lead to Gisele."

"I feel like it's making a big promise," Lin adds. "It's so funny because I'd called [Statham] and he came and did the tag for *6*, and we had talked about all this stuff. Then I called him one day and said, 'Hey Jason, I'm not going to do *7*.' He's like, 'What?!' And so then I called him and I say, 'Hey Jason, I'm going to have you do the tag for *9*.' And he's like, "But we get to work together after this!'"

Fast & Furious 6, F9

Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw and Sung Kang as Han. Universal Pictures; Giles Keyte/Universal

Shaw's presence is key to Lin and *Fast* following through on "justice for Han," a campaign that began when fans became frustrated with how the aftermath of Han's death was handled, as Shaw went from family-killing villain to hero of his own spin-off, 2019's *Hobbs & Shaw*. Lin and Kang have been adamant that "justice for Han" is ongoing and won't just be magically solved in one film, but they view this reveal as a good start.

"The angst isn't there anymore, right?" says Kang. "I think when people see that scene, their feelings towards Deckard Shaw are going to be a little different. Like the idea of him being part of the family, we're one step closer to making that respectable and sincere. Because look, at the end of the day, everybody loves Jason. I want him to be part of the family, I want to have scenes with him — who doesn't want Jason in their movie? So we got to figure it out, and I know he wants to be a part of it. But you never know; what you think is going to happen is usually not where we're going."

Now let's go back a few steps to how Han is even alive to begin with. In *F9*, on a fact-finding trip to Tokyo, Mia (Brewster) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are saved by a young woman named Elle (Anna Sawai) and her protector… Han. Upon returning to the team's new base, Han explains what happened to him: Shortly after the death of Gisele (Gal Gadot) in *Fast 6*, our old friend — and Gisele's former boss — Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell) reached out to Han to recruit him for some spy work. An early mission found Han breaking into a Tokyo home to steal part of Project Aries, only for the owners to be assassinated, prompting Han to step in and save their daughter, Elle, who would turn out to be the literal key to Aries. With Han set to look after Elle and the threat of a rogue Mr. Nobody agent (John Cena's Jakob), the arrival of Shaw in that infamous *Tokyo Drift* crash scene was used to fake Han's death, albeit without Shaw's knowledge, as far as we know. Speaking of Mr. Nobody, his fate is left up in the air in *F9*, but Lin doesn't want to give away too much because "it definitely plays into something bigger."

"I feel there is a lot of pressure, but I would also say that the pressure shouldn't be on this film," Lin says of paying off "justice for Han" and the character's latest revival. "I think the way it's being presented, I feel like there's a whole film with Han, Elle, Mr. Nobody, and even Gisele. There was something about the connection between Gisele and Mr. Nobody that I don't know why, [but] it brought me back to casting Gal."

Fast Five

Gal Gadot as Gisele and Sung Kang as Han in 'Fast Five'.

The idea of a Han vehicle outside the main *Fast* series, which is set to wrap up with two more installments, is clearly something that Lin and Kang have talked about, with Kang even throwing out the possibility of a *Tokyo Drift Part 2*.

"There's great tools here to tell the stories that we want to tell," Kang says. "And instead of these ideas of 'Let's go do this movie, let's go do this franchise,' I realize how mature Justin has become because he said, 'I'm really comfortable in my skin now and I'm really proud of what we've accomplished within the *Fast *universe. And let me quench my thirst to tell other stories within this world, and let me use the characters that already exist because we have a shorthand, there's a trust, there's a support from the studio, there's a fan base.' That's a level of enlightenment and kind of comfort in yourself and your place that I think opens the door to so many possibilities. So with that perspective, I think there's room for a *Tokyo Drift 2*."

While Lin, who made his *Fast* debut with 2006's *Tokyo Drift*, is already prepping for *Fast 10* and *11*, the filmmaker is doing his best to conceal his future plans for Han.

"I've been talking to Sung a lot," he says of his friend and collaborator since 2003's *Better Luck Tomorrow*. "I've been working on something, and, oh boy, I shouldn't say more than that, but Han is obviously such a special character… There was a big chunk of time where I'm like, we're going to do 'justice for Han,' but he's not coming back. The fact that we did that in *9* and he's now back for real, I want to make sure that we don't take that lightly. I can assure you I've definitely been working on a lot of stuff, been talking a lot about Han."

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's BINGE: The Fast Saga* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com for even more *Fast *coverage**.******Related content:**

- Sung Kang and Justin Lin on the road to 'justice for Han,' and what it means to them

- Sung Kang on embracing 'rare' journey of Han, 'Hollywood story' return in *F9*

- 2 Brothers 2 Furious: How Vin Diesel and John Cena are redefining *Fast* family in F*9*

- Action Movies

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Source: Action

Published: February 05, 2026 at 11:20AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

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Jujubee and Alexis Mateo reveal who else almost quit RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1

February 05, 2026
New Photo - Jujubee and Alexis Mateo reveal who else almost quit RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1

EW's BINGE podcast returns with an exclusive dive into AS1 with Jujubee and Alexis Mateo on wet padding, THAT iconic Untucked, and Latrice Royale's El Pollo Loco chaos. Jujubee and Alexis Mateo reveal who else almost quit RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1 EW's BINGE podcast returns with an exclusive dive into AS1 with Jujubee and Alexis Mateo on wet padding, THAT iconic Untucked, and Latrice Royale's El Pollo Loco chaos. :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JoeyNolfiauthorphotoba4923fec03a4027868306485696ef41.jpg) Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at .

EW's BINGE podcast returns with an exclusive dive into AS1 with Jujubee and Alexis Mateo on wet padding, THAT iconic Untucked, and Latrice Royale's El Pollo Loco chaos.

Jujubee and Alexis Mateo reveal who else almost quit RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1

EW's BINGE podcast returns with an exclusive dive into AS1 with Jujubee and Alexis Mateo on wet padding, THAT iconic Untucked, and Latrice Royale's El Pollo Loco chaos.

Joey Nolfi, senior writer at

Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at *. *Since 2016, his work at EW includes *RuPaul's Drag Race* video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more.

EW's editorial guidelines

June 30, 2021 12:30 p.m. ET

*EW's BINGE* podcast is back, back, back again with a new season diving deep into the herstory of *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars*.

The new batch of episodes kicks off (below) with a *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1* recap featuring Jujubee and Alexis Mateo spilling tea on the season's wildest secrets — including a major reveal that the latter considered leaving the competition before it even began.

"It brought me back to, you know at recess when you're playing dodgeball and you're the last one picked? I was like, what if nobody picks me!" Jujubee jokes of the season's gaggy twist that saw the queens enter the Werk Room alone, but compete in pairs they had to sort themselves into.

Jujubee ended up pairing with season 2 alum Raven, while Mateo joined forces with her season 3 sister (and current *All Stars 6* competitor) Yara Sofia, and while she looks back on the partnership with affection now, the initial shock of the twist nearly sent her sashaying away on her own accord.

"I'm easy to make a decision to go," Mateo remembers, adding that she "fiercely" debated checking out of the contest. "If you go back and look at it, I go back and look at that door several times!"

**Other highlights from this episode include:**

- The queens reflect on Pandora Boxx's reaction to pairing up with controversial queen Mimi Imfurst (and their attempts to soothe her emotions off-camera).

- Mateo explains the story behind her famous "act a fool, girl" clash in *Untucked*.

- Mateo gives an update on her infamous military boyfriend from season 3.

- Jujubee savors the memory of squirting whipped cream down an unsuspecting stranger's pants during the outdoor prank challenge (Mateo also has some feelings on this).

- Both queens dish on the matchup-within-a-matchup on the makeover episode, which saw Jujubee and Raven lightly tussling with actress Kady Z over her drag reinvention.

- Mateo tells us how she really felt when Sofia tag-teamed the lip-sync by pushing "*the* button."

- Jujubee reveals how she and Raven mounted one of the most emotional lip-syncs in *Drag Race* herstory, set to Robyn's "Dancing on My Own."

- Both queens kiki over a hilarious, hangry memory of a time the cast banded together in solidarity because they really wanted Popeye's (and Jujubee confirms she did, in fact, get fried chicken after the Raven lip-sync).

Drag Race

Jujubee and Alexis Mateo dive into EW's BINGE podcast for a 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1' recap. World of Wonder

Listen to EW's full *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 1 *recap above, and stay tuned for more full-season deep-dives with special guests — including Alaska, Detox, BenDeLaCreme, Shea Couleé, and more — in the weeks ahead.

***Subscribe to *EW's BINGE* podcast for full recaps of *RuPaul's Drag Race*, including our new season diving into all five *All Stars *seasons, featuring exclusive interviews with Jujubee, Alexis Mateo, Shea Couleé, Alaska, Detox, BenDeLaCreme, Kennedy Davenport, and more*. *And be sure to catch up on our *BINGE* recaps of *RuPaul's Drag Race* seasons 1-13 with Symone, Jaida Essence Hall, Trixie Mattel, Katya, Peppermint, Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Sasha Velour, and more******!***

**Related content: **

- *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6* queens read their best & worst moments, and spill on the 'chaotic' season ahead

- Give *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6* icon Jiggly Caliente a Marvel movie, dammit

- Serena ChaCha on soft sculpture and hard reality after* RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6*

- RuPaul's Drag Race Fandom

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Source: RuPaul

Published: February 05, 2026 at 11:20AM on Source: MANUEL MAG

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