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USA Today
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Lego 'One Piece' sets available for pre-order: See the collection
Lego 'One Piece' sets available for pre-order: See the collection Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this summer USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this summer Lego announced that the long-awaited "One Piece" sets, based on the Netflix adaptation of the famous Japanese manga series, are now available for pre-order. The Lego sets are based on the characters and scenes from the Netflix show and range in price from $9.99 to $329.99, according to a news release on the toy company's website. The collaboration comes as the streaming platform prepares to debut Season 2 of the live-action adaptation on Netflix in 2026. The "One Piece" sets became available for pre-order on Thursday, June 5, according to Lego's website. They will then begin shipping the sets on Aug. 1. Households are limited to pre-ordering only three of each Lego set. Sets will also be available for purchase on Aug. 1. Which sets are included in the 'One Piece' collection? The "One Piece" collection includes the following Lego sets: When does Season 2 of the 'One Piece' live-action series release on Netflix? On May 31, during the Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event, the cast of the show previewed Season 2, and fans got to get a quick glimpse at the fan favorite character Tony Tony Chopper, a "blue-nosed reindeer-boy hybrid," according to Netflix. "It's an incredible opportunity for Netflix and the LEGO Group to deliver something so meaningful and authentic to ONE PIECE fans around the world," Josh Simon, vice president of consumer products and experiences at Netflix, said in Lego's new release. "The overwhelming feedback received from when we first teased the line was phenomenal. Season 2 of the show is set to premiere on the streaming platform in 2026, although Netflix has not yet announced an exact premiere date. Lego stores to host 'One Piece' events in August Throughout August, Lego stores will offer special "One Piece" experiences for customers. Here's when the U.S. events are: "One Piece" Gum Gum Fruit Make & Take (Aug. 3-9): Build and take home a Lego gum gum fruit from the series Build and take home a Lego gum gum fruit from the series "One Piece" passport stamp (Aug. 1-10): If you own a Lego Passport, get a "One Piece" stamp from an associate. Want a Lego Passport? Just request one at any Lego store. They're free. If you own a Lego Passport, get a "One Piece" stamp from an associate. Want a Lego Passport? Just request one at any Lego store. They're free. "One Piece" Straw Hat Headband (Aug. 1): Take home a Lego straw hat headband (for Lego Insiders) Take home a Lego straw hat headband (for Lego Insiders) Minifigure Factory (Starting Aug. 1): Create custom Lego minifigures with "One Piece" pieces and accessories What is 'One Piece'? Both a manga and anime, "One Piece" follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates. The team explores the Grand Line in search of the "One Piece," a treasure that will allow them to become the King of the Pirates. The original "One Piece" manga was released in 1997. In 2023, Netflix released the live-action remake of the series starring Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@ Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Wednesday,' 'The Bear' and all the TV shows you don't want to miss this summer
'Wednesday,' 'The Bear' and all the TV shows you don't want to miss this summer Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this summer USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this summer Need something to cool you down this summer? How about an ice-cold shot of Wednesday Addams' death glare? The warmest months of the year are typically a time of outdoor fun and frothy beach reads, but spare an eye and an ear for TV this summer, considering all the major series debuting between June and August. This crop of new and returning TV series has everything to help you beat the heat, including sci-fi, Marvel and Lena Dunham cringe for a new generation. You could travel to the frigid vacuum of space via the "Alien" franchise or "Star Trek." You could break out into a cold sweat (instead of a hot one) at the sight of the harrowing final chapter of Netflix's "Squid Game." You'll shiver with embarrassment at Lena Dunham's new comedy "Too Much" or shiver with fear at the horrors of Nevermore Academy in Netflix's "Wednesday." No matter which of these shows you choose to enjoy on your comfy couch with the sweet relief of air-conditioning, you'll be entertained and removed from the risk of sunburn. What more could you ask for on a hot summer's day? Here are seven TV shows worth watching this summer: 'Ironheart' Disney+, (June 24; streaming Tuesdays) Teen genius Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) was first introduced to Marvel fans in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and now gets her own show as a new kind of Iron Man for a younger crowd. "Ironheart" takes place in Chicago after the events of the film, where Riri's research for her iron suit brings her together with the oh-so-charming Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos, "In the Heights"), who may have more nefarious intentions and powers than he initially admits. Produced by "Wakanda" director Ryan Coogler, the series also stars Lyric Ross and Alden Ehrenreich ("Solo: A Star Wars Story"). 'The Bear' Hulu (June 25) In a different part of Chicago, we find our motley kitchen crew of everyone's favorite beef-sandwich-joint-turned-gourmet-dining-establishment in Season 4 of FX's "The Bear." Season 3 had more than its fair share of road bumps, both for its characters and its critical reception, but producer Christopher Storer and the extremely talented cast have the opportunity to turn it all around again. The staff of the restaurant, including Jeremy Allen White's Carmy and Ayo Edebiri's Sydney, have only a limited amount of time to turn around the business before their money runs out. We might suggest a more peaceful working environment, but then how much fun would the show be without the chaos? 'Squid Game' Netflix (June 27) Did you finish the second season of Netflix's monster South Korean horror hit "Squid Game" last December with a strong sense that the story just stopped in the middle? The series broke records on the streaming platform when it debuted in 2021, and last year's second season was just as bloody and tragic as the first. It ended on a devastating cliffhanger in which (spoiler alert!) Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) led a rebellion that was instantly quashed, and the evil Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) captured him just in time to kill his best friend Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan). And then the credits rolled. Fans are expecting resolution of that moment, the return of the wealthy "VIP" spectators of the violent games and answers to the many questions about the whole dystopian setup. 'Too Much' Netflix (July 10) Lena Dunham's latest comedy is, as the kids would say, high "cringe," but in the best way possible. Starring "Hacks" breakout Megan Stalter as a timid and messy TV producer on assignment in London, the comedy uses the best of Dunham's sardonic writing and Stalter's emotional comedic persona in a happy marriage of form and function. With appearances from comedic greats like Rita Wilson, Rhea Perlman and Dunham herself, the series has a cozy, familiar feeling even though it's set in a foreign country. 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Paramount+, (July 17; streaming Thursdays) The best and most fun of Paramount+'s "Star Trek" series is back for a rollicking third season that somehow has to top a second that included a musical episode. But we trust the crew of the USS Enterprise in this prequel featuring young versions of "Trek" favorites Spock (Ethan Peck), Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), Chapel (Jess Bush) and Kirk (Paul Wesley). Season 3 sees the intrepid explorers donning retro costumes, grappling with the Gorn and even solving a murder mystery. Be on the lookout for more "Trek" Easter eggs and characters, including more of Scotty (Martin Quinn), first seen in the Season 2 finale. And get excited for more than just Season 3: "Strange" has already been renewed for a fourth installment. 'Wednesday' Netflix (in two parts: Aug. 6 and Sept. 3) Without a smile in sight, Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) is all set to return to Nevermore Academy for another year of deadpan wit and solving supernatural mysteries. The blockbuster series, still the most popular English-language show of all time on the streamer, promises more of everything you loved about the first season, with bigger expectations, hype and a Lady Gaga cameo. What more could an Addams girl want? 'Alien: Earth' FX and Hulu (Aug. 12; streaming Tuesdays 8 ET/PT) It's alive, and it's on Earth this time. "Fargo" producer Noah Hawley takes his talents to the "Alien" universe in this creepy series, set on our own planet in the year 2120, in which mega-corporations have invented hybrid humanoid robots with human consciousness amid a race to discover a path to immortality. A group of these hybrids, led by Wendy (Sydney Chandler) makes a distinctly otherworldly discovery after crash landing in Earth's Prodigy City. The sleek and long-gestating series also stars the great Timothy Olyphant and counts original "Alien" director Ridley Scott among its producers.
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Survivor' Season 50 cast: Which returning players are playing for $1 million?
'Survivor' Season 50 cast: Which returning players are playing for $1 million? Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this spring. USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this spring. After years of speculation from fans, the long-awaited cast of the 50th season of "Survivor" is finally here. The Season 50 cast, made up of all returning players, was revealed May 28 on "CBS Mornings," followed by an interview with the show's longtime host and executive producer, Jeff Probst. While many players are returning for their second, third, fourth or even fifth times vying for the $1 million prize, one player stands out from the group: Mike White, the writer and creator of Emmy-winning "The White Lotus." Titled "In the Hands of the Fans," "Survivor" fans were able to vote on several aspects of the Season 50 game prior to filming, including whether to have hidden immunity idols available for players and if there will be a final four fire-making challenge. Season 49 will premiere this fall, with the milestone Season 50 premiering in 2026. Here's what to know about the cast of Season 50 of "Survivor." When does 'Survivor' Season 50 premiere? A specific premiere date has not yet been announced, but the show is scheduled to air in 2026. Who's in the 'Survivor' Season 50 cast? In addition to the 22 named players, Probst announced that two players from the upcoming Season 49 will also join the cast, bringing it to 24 people playing for the $1 million. Jenna Lewis Dougherty Age: 47 47 Seasons played: Borneo (Season 1), All Stars (Season 8) Colby Donaldson Age: 51 51 Seasons played: Australian Outback (Season 2), All Stars (Season 8), Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20) Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick Age: 45 45 Seasons played: Palau (Season 10), Guatemala (Season 11), Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20) Cirie Fields Age: 54 54 Seasons played: Panama (Season 12), Micronesia (Season 16), Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20), Game Changers (Season 34) Ozzy Lusth Age: 43 43 Seasons played: Cook Islands (Season 13), Micronesia (Season 16), South Pacific (Season 23), Game Changers (Season 34) Benjamin 'Coach' Wade Age: 53 53 Seasons played: Tocantins (Season 18), Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20), South Pacific (Season 23) Aubry Bracco Age: 39 39 Seasons played: Kaoh Rong (Season 32), Game Changers (Season 34), Edge of Extinction (Season 38) Chrissy Hofbeck Age: 54 54 Seasons played: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers (Season 35) Christian Hubicki Age: 39 39 Seasons played: David vs. Goliath (Season 37) Angelina Keeley Age: 35 35 Seasons played: David vs. Goliath (Season 37) Mike White Age: 54 54 Seasons played: David vs. Goliath (Season 37) Rick Devens Age: 41 41 Seasons played: Edge of Extinction (Season 38) Jonathan Young Age: 32 32 Seasons played: Season 42 Dee Valladares Age: 28 28 Seasons played: Season 45 (winner) Emily Flippen Age: 30 30 Seasons played: Season 45 Q Burdette Age: 31 31 Seasons played: Season 46 Tiffany Ervin Age: 34 34 Seasons played: Season 46 Charlie Davis Age: 27 27 Seasons played: Season 46 Genevieve Mushaluk Age: 33 33 Seasons played: Season 47 Kamilla Karthigesu Age: 31 31 Seasons played: Season 48 Kyle Fraser Age: 31 31 Seasons played: Season 48 (winner) Joe Hunter Age: 45 45 Seasons played: Season 48 How to watch 'Survivor' During an active season, "Survivor" typically airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+ for subscribers of the Paramount+ with Showtime plan. Episodes can be streamed the next day for subscribers of any Paramount+ plan. The previous 48 seasons of the show are all available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription. Watch every season of Survivor on Paramount+ Who is the host of 'Survivor'? Jeff Probst has hosted every season of the show, which has been on the air since 2000. He also serves as an executive producer. 'Survivor' 50: Jeff Probst talks casting all-stars season, whether he'd play 'Traitors' Where is 'Survivor' filmed? While "Survivor" previously took contestants to remote locations around the world, from the Pearl Islands to the Philippines and Guatemala, the show has been filmed in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji for the past 15 seasons. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How 'The Handmaid's Tale' ends after 6 years in Gilead: Does June live?
How 'The Handmaid's Tale' ends after 6 years in Gilead: Does June live? Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this spring. USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this spring. Spoiler alert! This story contains details from the series finale of "The Handmaid's Tale." Gilead hasn't fallen quite yet, but June Osborne will keep fighting however she can. The quiet, introspective finale of Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale" did not solve all the problems of the dystopian hellscape its protagonist (Elisabeth Moss) has been suffering through since the series' 2017 premiere. Fascist commanders are still subjugating and torturing women and children. There are still so many mothers separated from their children. June's eldest daughter Hannah is still trapped in Gilead's claws. But amid the streets of the newly freed Boston, surrounded by the friends and loved ones she's been able to save, June finds something to hold onto: a purpose, if not peace. She's going to tell her story, her tale, if you will. She's going to keep fighting for her daughter, and all the daughters lost to the hell of Gilead. She's not going to give up. "Fighting may not get us everything, but we don't have a choice, because not fighting is what got us Gilead in the first place," June tells her mother, Holly (Cherry Jones), explaining her decision to stay in the rebellion. "And Gilead doesn't need to be beaten, it needs to be broken." Here's how "The Handmaid's Tale" wrapped up June's fight in its series finale. "Handmaid's," based on the 1985 Margaret Atwood novel, is certainly a story about sticking with the fight for freedom, justice and what you believe in, no matter what, even if the show can't quite decide what it wants to say about motherhood: Is June's declaration that Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) "just be a mom" really the life for women June has been fighting for this whole time? Reducing women to their fertility is pretty much what Gilead was all about. But "Handmaid's" is a distinctly imperfect show. It has been messy in its messaging and plotting for a number of seasons now, and the finale isn't any different. If its themes aren't perfect, at least "Handmaid's" goes out with the haunting aesthetics and depth of feeling for which it's known. The stark colors, the grim lighting, the determined face of Moss − these are images that the series ends on. And that feels fitting. Boston is liberated from Gilead, and the Mayday fight moves on June's narration tells the audience that it only took 19 days for Boston to fall (or rise again) after the bomb she and Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) planted on a plane killed most of the eastern leadership of the totalitarian state. June's sometime lover Nick (Max Minghella) was among the casualties, a man who could never commit to any side of the cause finally fell victim to his own sense of survivalism. As the Gilead flag burns, June is stoic amid the celebrating Mayday forces. Mark (Sam Jaeger) finds out June's daughter Hannah has been moved to Washington, D.C., still under Gilead control. She runs into her old friend Emily (Alexis Bledel), inexplicably hanging out in the Boston ruins after an undercover stint in Connecticut, just in time to speak philosophically with June just like when they were Offred and Ofglen. Janine gets the happy ending she deserves Mark didn't get Hannah back for June, but he makes some kind of deal to rescue Janine (Madeline Brewer), the most tortured and tormented of Gilead's victims. She's brought across the border into the reconstituted America, along with her daughter Charlotte, who is willingly given up by her Gileadean "mother" Naomi (Ever Carradine) with help from Janine's protector Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd). It doesn't make a lot of sense, but it is the happiest, most emotional moment in the finale. June and Luke say goodbye, for now Refugees are reunited with their loved ones as a plane from Alaska arrives in Boston, which brings June back together with her mother Holly and younger daughter Holly. She asks her mother to keep caring for the toddler for a while longer while June keeps up her place in the rebellion. But June won't be fighting alongside her husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle) anymore. The couple, who have aged into totally different people after their respective traumas, part in the most amicable split you've ever seen. They go their separate ways, and agree they will never stop looking for their shared daughter Hannah. Serena's future is uncertain, but June forgives her No one much cares what happens to Serena Joy and her son Noah in the brave new world. She has no passport or country and is moving from refugee camp to refugee camp at the grace of Mark. Before she gets on a bus to her next destination, she begs forgiveness from June for all the things she's done and allowed to happen. June forgives her, which is the greatest evidence yet that our weary protagonist is healing. She has, perhaps, finally learned that vengeance does not get her what she wants or needs. June is ready to write her 'Tale' In a clunky bit of full-circle plotting, Luke and the elder Holly strongly suggest that she should write down her story, for her daughters and for everyone else. In the final moments of the series, June walks through the ruined streets of Boston until she finds the house she lived in with the Waterfords; where she was raped and abused and where this story began. She climbs the stairs to her old room, and sits in that same windowsill we first saw her in six seasons ago. She pulls out a tape recorder and recounts the same items of furniture we heard in the voiceover in the season premiere: a chair, a bed, a table. White curtains, shatterproof glass. This is the handmaid's tale.
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' Season 2 cast, release date, episode schedule announced
'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' Season 2 cast, release date, episode schedule announced Are they ready to get married or should they go their separate ways? The couples, and the rest of us, will find out when their relationships are put to the test on Netflix. Show Caption Hide Caption The most anticipated TV shows of 2025 USA TODAY TV critic Kelly Lawler shares her top 5 TV shows she is most excited for this year A new cast of couples will soon pose the ultimate ultimatum on our TV screens: Marry me or pack your bags. Netflix's "The Ultimatum: Queer Love" Season 2 is set to premiere in June, bringing with it a new season of drama. The reality program follows couples through what Netflix calls an experiment to determine if they are ready to get hitched or it's time to call it quits. The couples first split up to date other, new people and then choose which one of those new people they'd like join for a "trial marriage." After living together in the trial marriage for three weeks, all the participants then enter a trial marriage with their original partner. After another three weeks, each couple decides if they're ready for the long haul (whether with their original partner or their trial spouse). or if it's finally time to end the relationship and walk out alone. Here's what to know about season 2. When does 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' Season 2 premiere? The first batch of new episodes of "The Ultimatum: Queer Love" Season 2 will release on Wednesday, June 25. The second half will drop on Wednesday, July 2. How to watch 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' Season 2 The show is a Netflix exclusive, meaning you'll only find it on the streaming platform. Netflix subscriptions come in three tiers: a "Standard with ads" plan for $7.99 a month, a "Standard" plan for $17.99 and a "Premium" plan for $24.99 a month. Cast of 'The Ultimatum: Queer Love' Season 2 AJ (she/her, 28) and Britney (she/her, 27). Find them on social media at @britneythmpsn, @ajalways_jammin (she/her, 28) and (she/her, 27). Find them on social media at @britneythmpsn, @ajalways_jammin Marie (she/her, 27) and Mel (She/her, 27). Find them on social media at @marieeangeline, @melentersthechat (she/her, 27) and (She/her, 27). Find them on social media at @marieeangeline, @melentersthechat Haley (she/her, 29) and Pilar (she/her, 29). Find them on social media at @haleydrexler, @ (she/her, 29) and (she/her, 29). Find them on social media at @haleydrexler, @ Dayna (she/her, 25) and Magan (she/her, 27). Find them on social media at @mdayna, @maganmourad (she/her, 25) and (she/her, 27). Find them on social media at @mdayna, @maganmourad Bridget (she/they, 28) and Kyle (she/they, 30). Find them on social media at @haleydrexler, @ (she/they, 28) and (she/they, 30). Find them on social media at @haleydrexler, @ Ashley (she/her, 30) and Marita (she/her, 25). Find them on social media at @ashleyj_19, @maritaprodger The show will again be hosted by actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher ("Sweet Magnolias," "Gossip Girl," "Reba").
