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The Hunting Wives was released on Netflix back in July 2025, and people are still talking about it. If you've seen it yourself, you wouldn't find this surprising. The show has everything you could ever want in a mystery thriller series.

We're talking shocking twists, scandalous secrets, intense rivalries, and a web of suspense that keeps you guessing until the very last episode. Add in strong performances and complex characters, and it’s no wonder fans are already looking for their next binge-worthy obsession.

Since there are so many great shows out there, it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth your time. That’s why we’ve put together a list of four must-watch shows that will keep you hooked, guessing, and coming back for more episode after episode just like The Hunting Wives.

Grace Van Patten as Lucy Albright in Tell Me Lies season 2 | Disney/Josh...

Cruel Summer, the thriller executive produced by Jessica Biel, is being resurrected two years after its quiet cancellation. Blending nostalgia with murder mystery, Cruel Summer premiered on Freeform in April 2021. The first season centered on two teenage girls, unfolding in the mid-1990s, and zeroing in on what happens when one of those girls disappears and the other seemingly takes her place.

The show embraced an anthology format, taking place in the same overall universe but focusing on a different Cruel Summer cast. The second outing didn't create the same buzz as the first, coming after significant creative changes behind the scenes, and the thriller was quietly cancelled in December 2023.

Varietyis now reporting that Cruel Summer is being eyed for a potential revival on Hulu and Freeform, with original star Olivia Holt set to return as Kate Wallis. Holt, seen recently as the co-lead of the horror rom-com Heart Eyes opposite Mason Gooding,...

Perhaps it’s not the end of the road for “Cruel Summer.”

Hulu and Freeform are in the midst of developing a third season of “Cruel Summer,” which would see Season 1 star Olivia Holt return to the mystery series, according to media reports. If greenlit, Holt would reprise her role as Kate Wallis, who starred opposite Chiara Aurelia’s Jeanette Turner in the first installment of the show.

Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple would return as executive producers via Iron Ocean, while Cori Uchida and Adam Lash have been tapped as showrunners and executive producers. The project hails from Lionsgate TV.

Representatives for Disney and Lionsgate TV declined to comment on this story.

The news marks a potential series revival for “Cruel Summer,” after Freeform canceled the show after two seasons in December 2023, alongside “The Fosters” spinoff series “Good Trouble,” and would reverse the show’s anthology format.

Seasons 1 and...

Maybe it’s not such a cruel summer after all. Variety has learned exclusively from sources that a third season of “Cruel Summer” is currently in development at Hulu and Freeform.

Olivia Holt would star in and executive produce the new season, reprising the role of Kate Wallis from Season 1 of the series. In addition, Cori Uchida and Adam Lash have boarded as showrunners and executive producers. Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple would once again executive produce via Iron Ocean. Lionsgate TV is the studio.

Reps for Disney declined to comment.

“Cruel Summer” was originally created by Bert V. Royal. The series debuted on Freeform in 2021 and quickly became the most-watched show in the network’s history. It was renewed for a second season not long after its launch, but it was later reported that the show would go the anthology route with an entirely new cast, new storyline, and...

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Nine Perfect Strangers is a mystery thriller drama series created by David E. Kelley. Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, the Hulu series revolves around nine different people from different backgrounds as they gather at a wellness retreat being led by its Russian founder, Masha Dmitrichenko, who’s hiding a dark secret behind her comforting personality. Nine Perfect Strangers stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Asher Keddie, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg, Tiffany Boone, Manny Jacinto, Grace Van Patten, Zoe Terakes, Regina Hall, and Bobby Cannavale. So, if you loved the intense story, thrilling mystery, and compelling characters in Nine Perfect Strangers, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Big Little Lies (HBO Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – HBO

Big Little Lies is a psychological mystery, dark...

Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program supports a wide range of incredible projects. Every month, we shine a spotlight on new projects in our Fiscal Spotlight collum. But have you ever wondered how some of our previously featured projects are doing? That’s where FiSpo Updates come in! We’re here to celebrate the latest achievements of projects within the program.

Through Fiscal Sponsorship, independent filmmakers and media artists gain access to nonprofit funding, helping bring their unique visions to life. These projects embrace diversity, push creative boundaries, and showcase the power of independent storytelling. Want to explore the full lineup of sponsored projects? Head over to our Sponsored Projects page and take a look!

Better Than They Found It

Project type: Nonfiction Feature

Project status: Production

Filmmaker: Tarana Harris Mayes

Synopsis: Better Than They Found It chronicles the history and revolution of the coaching profession in the modern NFL,...

Lexi Underwood (“Cruel Summer”), Case Walker (Monster High: The Movie), and Kat Cunning (Purple Hearts) will star in Bad Karaoke, Deadline reports.

The horror-comedy is set to begin shooting this month in Los Angeles from District 78 Films and Father Greg Productions.

It follows a group of friends in a cover band making their way from Portland, Oregon, to perform at a wedding in Napa, California. When they discover an abandoned karaoke machine in the back of a dive bar, the motley crew must find a way to defeat the cursed machine before it eliminates them.

Underwood plays songwriter Emily and Walker plays bassist Noah, with Cunning as lead singer Hannah, who has come to terms with a career as a cover band musician only to learn it might become the death of them.

Chris Lightbody and Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. are making their feature directorial debut from a script by Lightbody and Spencer Yaras.

Exclusive: Lexi Underwood (Cruel Summer), Case Walker (The Other Two) and Kat Cunning (Purple Hearts) have signed on to star in the feature film Bad Karaoke, a horror comedy from District 78 Films and Father Greg Productions. Shooting begins this month in LA.

The film follows a group of friends in a cover band making their way from Portland, Oregon, to perform at a wedding in Napa. When they discover an abandoned karaoke machine in the back of a dive bar, songwriter Emily (Underwood), bassist Noah (Walker), and their motley band crew must find a way to defeat the cursed machine before it finishes them all off.

Cunning plays the band’s lead singer Hannah, who has come to terms with their career as a cover band musician only to learn it might become the death of them.

Chris Lightbody and Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. are directing from a script by Lightbody and Spencer Yaras.

The stars are giving back!

Kim Kardashian, Ciara, and Keke Palmer joined tons of other stars at the 2025 Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala on Saturday night (February 1) held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.

Hosted by Yvonne Orji, the gala handed out $350,000 in grants to Black businesses and their founders. Ciara presented $50,000 to a local business impacted by the L.A. wildfires and Kelly Rowland awarded $250,000 to three Black founders.

Following the event, we compiled photos of all the stars in attendance so that you can see what everyone wore!

Keep reading to find out more…Keep scrolling to see the stars in attendance…

Amber Valletta

Fyi: Amber is wearing a Diotima dress.

Aurora James

Ciara

Issa Rae

Janelle James

Jeannie Mai

Fyi: Jeannie is wearing a Jagne dress.

Jesse Williams & Ciarra Pardo

Karrueche Tran

Keke Palmer

Fyi: Keke is wearing a Sergio Hudson dress.

Kelly Rowland

Fyi: Kelly is wearing a Harbison Studio dress.

It's officially 2025, and we can’t wait to welcome back all of our favorite shows! One show we're especially excited to see return with a brand new season is the supernatural mystery drama School Spirits. The long-awaited second season is set to be released on Paramount+ sometime early this year.

After the shocking reveal of Maddie's fate at the end of the first season, we're really looking forward to diving back into the story in School Spirits season 2. Season 1 follows Maddie Nears, a teen girl who ends up trapped in the afterlife after mysteriously dying at her high school. Throughout the first season, we watch as Maddie tries to uncover the truth behind her death with the help of other spirits trapped at the school.

In season 2, the story picks up right where the first season left off. Maddie is still stuck in the afterlife, but now she knows what really happened to her.

Update, with additional reactions: As Hollywood and New York wake up this morning to confirmation that Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States, the mood among many celebrities is one of deep disappointment, even despair.

Lexi Underwood, star of Little Fires Everywhere and Cruel Summer posted a swatch of data breaking down percentages by demographic, writing “Just so we’re clear… Black women & men, get some rest.”

Actress Viola Davis wrote “Thank you for your bravery @kamalaharris. Thank you for loving America’s promise. I am and will forever be proud.

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A post shared by Viola Davis (@violadavis)

Jack White, a frequent Trump critic, wrote on Instagram, “Americans chose a known, obvious fascist and now America will get whatever this wannabe dictator wants to enact from here on in.”

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A post shared by Jack White (@officialjackwhite...

Joey King gets the support of her director husband Steven Piet as the 2024 Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award at an exclusive cocktail event at the Chateau Marmont on Wednesday (October 23) in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old actress is the 19th recipient of the annual prestigious award in recognition of her extraordinary acting achievement and embodiment of timeless style and grace.

Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, granddaughter of the founder and Max Mara Fashion Group Board Member, hosted the celebration that featured music spun by DJ Mia Moretti.

Other talent in attendance include Elizabeth Banks, Lori Harvey, Justine Lupe, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, Sarah Hyland, Liza Koshy, Odeya Rush, Kathy Hilton, Mia Moretti, Larsen Thompson, Johnny Sibilly, Dylan Mulvaney, Tina Craig, Emma Brooks, Shanina Shaik, Sara Silva, Carmella Rose, Olivia Holt, Sophia Culpo, Jessica Wang, Abigail Cowen, Lexi Underwood, Mishel Prada, Sarah Jeffrey, Danielle Macdonald, Sasha Pieterse, Julia Butters, Tania Sarin,...

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Disclaimer* is a psychological thriller drama series created by Alfonso Cuarón. Based on the 2015 novel of the same name by author Renée Knight, the Apple TV+ series follows Catherine Ravenscroft, a famed documentary journalist with a picture-perfect family who discovers that she is a main character in a novel that threatens to reveal her darkest secret that she has tried to keep hidden all her life. Disclaimer* stars Cate Blanchett, Leila George, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Adam El Hagar, Lesley Manville, Louis Partridge, Indira Varma, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. So, if you loved the thrilling mystery, intense narrative, and compelling characters in Disclaimer* here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Sharp Objects (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – HBO

Sharp Objects is a psychological mystery thriller drama miniseries created by Marti Noxon. Based on the...

Donald Trump is not having the best year when it comes to the film industry shining light on his criminal history, and it's about to get even worse. E. Jean Carrolls testimony against former president Donald J. Trump in her defamation and sexual assault lawsuit is becoming a documentary that will feature Kathryn Hahn playing the author in reenactment scenes. Titled E. Jean Carroll V. Donald J. Trump, the doc will showcase three different actresses portraying Carroll as she gives her detailed testimony against Trump, while Regina Taylor plays her attorney, Roberta Kaplan.

Kathryn Hahn, who currently stars in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along, Ellen Burstyn, and Lexi Underwood will play author/journalist E. Jean Carroll in the upcoming documentary during the film's testimony reenactment sequences. As the trailer suggests, each actress will give their take on Carroll's detailed description of how Trump raped her in a department store in the '90s,...

A quartet of actresses will bring E. Jean Carroll’s testimony from her defamation and sexual assault lawsuit against Donald Trump to the camera for the first time in the upcoming documentary, E. Jean Carroll V. Donald J. Trump.

Kathryn Hahn, Ellen Burstyn, and Lexi Underwood will all portray Carroll in the film’s reenactments, while Regina Taylor will play Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan. Carroll — a journalist who spent 25 years writing a popular advice column for Elle — accused Trump of raping her at a department store in the Nineties.

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The Undoing is adapted from Jean Hanff Korelitz‘s 2014 novel titled You Should Have Known. Adapted into a miniseries by David E. Kelly, the HBO series stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant in the lead roles and it follows a seemingly perfect couple on the brink of unraveling, as a murder case threatens their lives and status in society. The Undoing also stars Matilda De Angelis, Donald Sutherland, Lily Rabe, Noah Jupe, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Édgar Ramírez. So, if you loved the dysfunctional family, a thrilling mystery, and compelling characters in The Undoing here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Perfect Couple (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

The Perfect Couple is a mystery thriller crime drama series created by Jenna Lamia. Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by author Elin Hilderbrand, the Netflix series follows the story of Amelia,...

A group of pro-Palestine actors, writers, directors and crew is taking their fight to SAG-AFTRA.

Mark Ruffalo, Cynthia Nixon, Common, Susan Sarandon and Rosie O’Donnell are among the more than 700 movie and TV professionals to sign an open letter from SAG-AFTRA & Sister Guild Members for Ceasefire, calling for an end to the “industry’s McCarthyist repression of members who acknowledge Palestinian suffering.”

Other signatories include Ramy Youssef, Riz Ahmed, Busy Philipps, Griffin Dunne, Kendrick Sampson, Indya Moore, Haaz Sleiman, Sara Ramirez, Tavi Gevinson, Bobbi Menuez, Atsuko Okatsuka, Leo Sheng, Poppy Liu, Isis King, E.R. Fightmaster, Angelica Ross, Lexi Underwood, Zoe Chao, Dylan Adler, Jordan Hull, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Jacob Tobia, Josh Thomas and more. Read it in full below.

Following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and the Israeli government’s subsequent attacks on Gaza, SAG-AFTRA previously shared a statement in support of the Jewish people.

The open letter acknowledged that...

“The Perfect Couple” was the perfect binge-watch, from the wtf credits dance sequence to the even more gleefully camp ending. Nicole Kidman stars in the series and also produced through her Blossom Films banner, making “The Perfect Couple” the latest in a string of recent book adaptations with complex leading roles. Set at an otherwise idyllic Nantucket wedding where a tragic drowning derails the festivities, the series adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s best-selling murder mystery also stars Liev Schrieber, Eve Hewson, Meghann Fahy and Dakota Fanning.

If you’re craving another addictive mystery series to watch, here’s a curated list of seven shows like “The Perfect Couple” to watch next, from Kidman’s other TV hits to some lesser-known streaming thrillers.

“The Undoing” (HBO) “The Undoing”

Kidman and director Susanne Bier previously collaborated on HBO’s mystery series “The Undoing,” based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s 2014 novel “You Should Have Known.

The Perfect Couple is a mystery crime drama series created by Jenna Lamia. Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by author Elin Hilderbrand, the Netflix series follows the story of Amelia, a young woman who is getting ready to marry into the wealthy Winbury family but after a dead body is found on their property all of them become suspects which causes some dark secrets to come out. The Perfect Couple stars Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Meghann Fahy, Eve Hewson, Dakota Fanning, Ishaan Khattar, Billy Howle, and Jack Reynor. So, if you loved the mystery, toxic relationships, and a thrilling story in The Perfect Couple here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Big Little Lies (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – HBO

Big Little Lies is a mystery dark comedy-drama series created by David E. Kelley. Based on the 2014 novel of the same name by author Liane Moriarty,...

The Accident is a Mexican thriller drama series written by Leonardo Padrón. The Netflix series revolves around a tragic accident that changes the lives of several families leaving them with their soul crippling guilt and resentment which leads them down the path of violence. The Accident stars Ana Claudia Talancón, Sebastian Martínez, Alberto Guerra, Eréndira Ibarra, Shaní Lozano, Silverio Palacios, Erick Elías, Erik Hayser, and Valentina Acosta. So, if you loved the thrilling story, compelling characters, and satisfying mystery in The Accident here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Who Killed Sara? (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Who Killed Sara? is a Mexican mystery crime thriller series created by José Ignacio Valenzuela. The Netflix series follows the story of Álex Guzmán, a man who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit and now that he is out, he is determined to find who killed his...

The 20th anniversary HollyShorts Film Festival is set to honor a quartet of major Hollywood talents, from industry veterans to an up-and-coming star.

Actor Tom Skeritt, actor-director Alden Ehrenreich, director Catherine Hardwicke, and young actress Lexi Underwood will receive laurels at the prestigious Oscar-qualifying festival, which runs from August 8-18.

HollyShorts will present its Luminary Award to Ehrenreich in recognition of his work in front of and behind the camera. Ehrenreich’s directorial debut, Shadow Brother Sunday, screened last year at HollyShorts following its world premiere at Tribeca Festival.

‘Shadow Brother Sunday’

“I was very flattered to have my film Shadow Brother Sunday included in this wonderful festival last year and had a great time meeting all those involved,” Ehrenreich said in a statement. “I am even more flattered – flattered times two – to be chosen to receive this special honor. I am proud to see the Los Angeles film community gather and support each other.

Maxton Hall – The World Between Us is a German teen romantic drama series created by Daphne Ferraro. Based on a novel of the same name by Mona Kasten, the six-part Prime Video series follows the story of Ruby, a scholar student attending a prestigious private school named Maxton Hall as she witnesses an explosive secret regarding James Beaufort, that binds them to each other. Maxton Hall stars Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung in the lead roles with Sonja Weißer, Andrea Guo, Justus Riesner, Fedja van Huêt, Ben Felipe, and Runa Greiner starring in supporting roles. If you loved the intrigue and romance in Maxton Hall – The World Between Us here are some similar shows you could watch next.

Gossip Girl (Max & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – The CW

Gossip Girl is a teen drama series created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Based on a novel series of the same name by author Cecily von Ziegesar,...

A first look teaser clip at the upcoming movie adaptation I Wish You All the Best has been revealed!

The new film marks the directorial debut for Tommy Dorfman and is based on the book of the same name by Mason Deaver.

Ahead of it’s release, a teaser clip featuring Lena Dunham and star Corey Fogelmanis has been released.

Learn more and watch the clip inside…

The upcoming movie follows Ben DeBacker (Fogelmanis), a non-binary teen who is thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah (Alexandra Daddario), and her husband, Thomas (Cole Sprouse). Struggling with anxiety, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their art teacher, Ms. Lyons (Dunham), while trying to keep a low profile at their new school. Ben’s attempts to survive junior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan (Miles Gutierrez-Riley), a funny and charismatic student,...

So many stars graced the red carpet outside Bar Marmont on Wednesday night (March 6) to attend Vanity Fair and Instagram Celebrate Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood.

The celebrity packed guestlist featured the likes of Barry Keoghan, Hunter Schafer and Charles Melton. That’s barely scratching the surface, though.

We pulled together photos of more than 100 stars on the guestlist. That way you can easily see who was there and what they were wearing!

Head inside to see all of the photos from Vanity Fair and Instagram Celebrate Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood…

Keep scrolling to see all of the photos from Vanity Fair and Instagram Celebrate Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood…

Barry Keoghan

Fyi: Barry is wearing Amiri FW24 Rtw.

Hunter Schafer

Fyi: Hunter is wearing Prada SS13 Rtw.

Evan Ross Katz

Aria Mia Loberti

Reece Feldman

Derek Luh

Sammi Hanratty

Asa Germann

Dallas James Liu

Charles...

Ming-Na Wen joins the cast of the 2024 Karate Kid movie in an undisclosed role. Sadie Stanley has also been cast as the romantic lead opposite new karate kid Ben Wang. Ming-Na Wen is known for a variety of roles, including voicing Mulan.

The 2024 Karate Kid movie has added Disney legend Ming-Na Wen to the cast. The upcoming movie is the sixth feature-length installment in the franchise and the eighth installment overall including the short-lived 1989 show The Karate Kid and the popular six-season streaming legacy sequel show Cobra Kai. The new movie will unite characters from the original franchise and the 2010 remake, particularly the original karate kid Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) and the remake's martial arts master Mr. Han (Jackie Chan).

Per Variety, Ming-Na Wen has joined the cast of the upcoming Karate Kid movie in an as-yet-unknown role. The Hollywood Reporter has also revealed that Sadie Stanley has been...

It's a new cast and mystery in the second season of the Cruel Summer TV show on Freeform. As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Cruel Summer is cancelled or renewed for season three. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the second season episodes of Cruel Summer here. *Status Update Below.

A Freeform teen thriller series, the Cruel Summer TV show stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore, with Paul Adelstein recurring. Season two is set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest and follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from...

The first season of Cruel Summer was Freeform's highest-rated scripted series a couple of years ago. Rather than end the show, the cable channel changed it to an anthology series with a new cast and story. Will the show be a winner this time around? Will Cruel Summer be cancelled or renewed for season three? Stay tuned. *Status Update Below.

A teen thriller series, the Cruel Summer TV show stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore, with Paul Adelstein recurring. Season two is set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest and follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines in the 1990s leading up to Y2K, the story twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between computer genius...

Freeform has made other plans for next summer. The cable channel has cancelled the Cruel Summer anthology series, so viewers shouldn't bother looking for a third season.

A teen thriller series, the Cruel Summer TV show stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada, and Sean Blakemore, with Paul Adelstein recurring. Season two is set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest and follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines in the 1990s leading up to Y2K, the story twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between computer genius Megan (Stanley), mysterious foreign exchange student Isabella (Underwood), and Luke (Gluck), Megan’s best friend. A popular teen goes missing, and a seemingly unrelated girl transforms from a sweet and awkward outlier to...

The end has come for Freeform series Cruel Summer and Good Trouble. The Disney-owned cable net has canceled Cruel Summer after two seasons and Good Trouble will end with the second half of its upcoming fifth season, Deadline has confirmed.

We hear Good Trouble will be given the opportunity to film some additional scenes for a supersized series finale episode to properly wrap up the series. Season 5B premieres on January 2.

The series were Freeform’s last remaining scripted originals following the November cancellation of animated comedy Praise Petey.

Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the final chapter of Cruel Summer followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twisted and turned as it tracked the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed,...

Freeform has cancelled its last two remaining scripted series, Good Trouble and Cruel Summer, TVLine has confirmed.

The Fosters spinoff Good Trouble will conclude with the back half of its fifth season (premiering Tuesday, Jan. 2), while the anthology series Cruel Summer wrapped up its second (and now final) season on July 31. With the axing of the animated comedy Praise Petey in November and grown-ish slated to air its final episodes in 2024, that leaves the future of Freeform’s scripted slate up in the air.

More from TVLineGood Trouble: Callie and Jamie Return... to Celebrate a Special Milestone? - 2024 First...

Freeform will not be moving forward with new seasons of “Cruel Summer” and “Good Trouble,” Variety has confirmed.

An anthology series, Season 2 of of “Cruel Summer” followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. “Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward,” reads the official description.

After making waves with its explosive first season (which averaged multiplatform+35 viewership of 6.8 million viewers per episode) that quickly became the network’s most-watched series ever, Freeform followed up the performance with a fast Season 2 renewal in 2021 — a move Freeform president Tara Duncan called an “easy decision” at the time.

Variety previously reported on creator Bert V. Royal’s exit from “Cruel Summer...

The Hollywood Reporter‘s Women in Entertainment event, presented by Lifetime, returned on Thursday for its annual celebration of Hollywood’s leading ladies.

This year, the star-studded event — which coincided with the publication of THR’s annual Women in Entertainment Power 100 — honored Adele with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, highlighting a woman who is a pioneer in her field. Kerry Washington was also recognized with the Equity in Entertainment Award, honoring her work amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.

Inside the breakfast — this year held at the Beverly Hills Hotel — Will Ferrell kicked off the event, declaring right off the bat, “Isn’t it just time for women to run the planet? I’m serious, I’m not just trying to placate you I swear, but I don’t know what else to do because we, men, have run the show since what, 10,000 BC, and we’re not doing so good.

The most promising emerging talent in show business gathered on Thursday to celebrate Variety’s annual Power of Young Hollywood issue, honoring actors Sydney Sweeney and Noah Schnapp and musician Steve Lacy. Sony Electronics and Ford were the presenting and premier sponsors of the evening.

Honorees Steve Lacy, Noah Schnapp and Sydney Sweeney at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Variety via Getty Images)

High atop Sunset Blvd. at Hollywood’s NeueHouse, the evening welcomed a mix of top talent and influencers, industry figures and a light smattering of the over-30 crowd. “Never Have I Ever” stars Darren Barnet and Megan Suri, “King Richard” star Demi Singleton, “The Sex Lives of College Girls” actor Reneé Rapp, TikTokers Connor Wood and Dylan Mulvaney, Marvel actor Xochitl Gomez, “Saved by the Bell” reboot star and recent Chapman grad Josie Totah, “Barbie” star Alexandra Shipp and veteran actor Dermot Mulroney...

“Cruel Summer” is a suspenseful and mysterious television series created by Bert V. Royal. The second season stars Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Lexi Underwood as Isabella Larue, and Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers.

Cruel Summer

With new protagonists but the same style and new mysteries, this Prime Video series has already become a hit among young audiences.

Do you enjoy series set in small and charming towns where not everything is as charming as it seems? Stephen King turned this setting into a whole genre, and now “Cruel Summer” takes it up again to offer us this new vision with many flashbacks and intertwining stories.

Very interesting in terms of cinematography, with an elaborate script and a cast of young actors that make the plot worthwhile.

Second Season

The second season takes place in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, spanning three time periods from 1999 to 2000. It follows three teenagers: Megan,...

“Cruel Summer” is a suspenseful and mysterious television series created by Bert V. Royal. The second season stars Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Lexi Underwood as Isabella Larue, and Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers.

Cruel Summer

With new protagonists but the same style and new mysteries, this Prime Video series has already become a hit among young audiences.

Do you enjoy series set in small and charming towns where not everything is as charming as it seems? Stephen King turned this setting into a whole genre, and now “Cruel Summer” takes it up again to offer us this new vision with many flashbacks and intertwining stories.

Very interesting in terms of cinematography, with an elaborate script and a cast of young actors that make the plot worthwhile.

Second Season

The second season takes place in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, spanning three time periods from 1999 to 2000. It follows three teenagers: Megan,...

The stakes have grown. Time is running out. And for the characters that inhabit the slightly twisted, duplicitous world of Cruel Summer, this means potentially more than just kidnapping. It could mean murder. For Megan and Isabella, only the viewers could determine who would emerge free and who would vanish in handcuffs. Although rotten tomatoes and fans have taken a few confusing scenes in Cruel Summer to task, by and large, the overwhelmingly positive reviews prove that teens' and tweens murder mysteries can be a safe bet.

Cruel Summer was an unexpected hit, and despite its non-adult-oriented teen fare, its record-setting viewership was well-deserved. Original concepts alongside older tropes told in a new way spelled out success for Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+, whereas other, more bland attempts at murder mystery (think CW's Nancy Drew) simply faded into obscurity. We're going to break down the reasons why.

Secrets of Season One...

Warning: This article contains Major Spoilers for Cruel SummerThe final episode of sophomore season of Cruel Summer took viewers for quite a ride. The second season of Freeform's anthology series revolved around the friendship of high school students Megan (Sadie Stanley) and Isabella (Lexi Underwood). While Megan is initially weary of Isabella, a foreign exchange student that moves into her home, the two eventually develop a strong bond.

As Isabella begins to incorporate herself into Megan's world, and establish friendships with her close friends, a love triangle develops between the two girls and Megan's long time bestie, Luke (Griffin Gluck). While a romantic relationship between Isabella and Luke begins to blossom, Megan reveals that she has feelings for him, leading Isabella to step back from pursuing Luke. As Megan and Luke's relationship becomes more serious, Isabella begins to feel left out. The trouble doesn't end there. When Luke is confronted...

The following article contains spoilers from Cruel Summer season 2, episode 10, "Endgame."

Cruel Summer showrunner and executive producer Elle Triedman confirms Isabella as Luke's killer, citing her deceptive friendship with Megan as the reason behind the choice. Isabella didn't intend to kill Luke but made a snap judgment when she found him nearly dead, wanting to secure Megan's future. Cruel Summer season 2's lack of subversion and weak character connections resulted in a less impactful and engaging storyline compared to season 1.

Cruel Summer showrunner and executive producer Elle Triedman opens up about choosing Luke's killer and the thought behind it, confirming that there were other possibilities. In the second installment of the Freeform teen drama, the big mystery centered around the question of who it was that killed Luke (Griffin Gluck). Even though Luke's older brother, Brent (Braeden De La Garza) initially believes he accidentally killed Luke, one last twisty scene...

The following article contains spoilers from Cruel Summer season 2, episode 10, "Endgame."

The Cruel Summer season 2 finale reveals that Isabella is the one who killed Luke, not Brent. Megan discovers this months later on a security camera and will likely ensure that Brent doesn't remain wrongly imprisoned, according to executive producer Elle Triedman. Cruel Summer should return for season 3, but it should prioritize balancing the story and character relationships rather than relying heavily on misleading clues.

Cruel Summer showrunner and executive producer Elle Triedman explains the actions Megan (Sadie Stanley) will take after that shocking season 2 finale. Season 2, episode 10, "Endgame," answers who killed Luke (Griffin Gluck) in the final moments. Although Luke's older brother Brent (Braeden De La Garza) initially believes he killed Luke after accidentally shoving him into the water, the malefactor was Isabella (Lexi Underwood), who suffocates Luke once he barely swims to safety. Megan sees the footage on a security camera months later,...

Lexi Underwood and Sadie Stanley in ‘Cruel Summer’ season 2 episode 10 (Freeform/Justine Yeung)

Freeform’s Cruel Summer season two episode 10 – the season finale – puts an end to all the whodunnit guessing games. Luke’s killer is revealed but, as with the first season, not all the loose ends are tied up.

It’s 4am on New Year’s Day when Megan (Sadie Stanley) and Isabella (Lexi Underwood) return home. Megan wants to go back and untie Luke, but Isabella doesn’t agree. Although he’s been tied up for hours, she seems to think they let him off easy. Megan reminds Isabella that she shot him, and Isabella maintains it was an accident.

Megan decides she’s going to wait until 8am and then head to the cabin to untie Luke.

At 5:00am, Luke (Griffin Gluck) has made it to the docks which is where we last saw him in episode nine.

This article contains spoilers for the Cruel Summer season 2 finale.

Cruel Summer season 2 introduced us to all new characters and a captivating new mystery, but the ending will make your jaw drop just like the first season did. As our two timelines collide, we finally discover what happened to Luke.

This next chapter of the series, which takes place in the Y2K era, showcases the rise and fall of Megan (Sadie Stanley), Isabella (Lexi Underwood), and Luke’s (Griffin Gluck) intense friendship/love triangle. Told through three different timelines, twists and turns lurk around every corner for audiences, who are trying to seek answers as to how everything went so wrong for these teens. Here’s what really went down in the Cruel Summer season 2 finale.

What Happened On or Around Jan. 1, 2000?

Picking up from last episode’s big cliffhanger, we see that Luke has paged his brother for help.

[This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike authorization.] The second season of Cruel Summer is set in the 2000s, taking place in three different periods in the same year at the end of the millennium. As such, TV Insider asked its Gen Z stars Sadie Stanley (21) and Lexi Underwood (19) a few early 2000s nostalgia questions; this time, the era’s unique sense of fashion. In the clip above, we asked to see which iconic staples of the era were hot or not. “Low-rise jeans? Hot!” the duo agreed before just as swiftly deciding Dress Over jeans are a not. “Okay, it’s worked on some people in some certain circumstances, but would I wear that out? No,” Stanley said. “But for the nostalgia…,” she continues before Underwood chimes in, “To those of you who pull it off, hats off to yall.” When it comes to thin eyebrows, it was a resounding “not.” “I had thin...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Cruel Summer season 2!In Cruel Summer season 2, Branson is the name of a college that characters reference across the show's three time periods. Whether it's a real-world college or merely inspired by one, it's clear that Branson is an essential setting in the mystery thriller anthology series' second outing. The show centers on the close-knit friendship of three Washington state teens: Megan Landry (Sadie Stanley), Isabella Larue (Lexi Underwood), and Luke Chambers (Griffin Gluck). While Megan is hesitant to warm to new-to-town Isabella, the two become inseparable — for better or worse.

Although Cruel Summer season 2's timeline is different than season 1, the sophomore season also plays with structure, unfolding across three distinct time periods: summer 1999, winter 1999, and summer 2000. The first summer section provides context for the blossoming friendship between the teen girls, while the winter segment focuses on the shifting relationship dynamics and disturbing moments that...

Lexi Underwood, Sadie Stanley, and Griffin Gluck in ‘Cruel Summer’ season 2 episode 9 (Freeform/Justine Yeung)

We’re down to the wire with just two episodes to go on the second season of Freeform’s Cruel Summer, and the suspense over what happened to Luke is incredibly intense. Season two episode nine, “The Miseducation of Luke Chambers,” takes place in the fall and winter of 1999 as well as early January 2000.

Luke (Griffin Gluck) sits down and watches home video of himself and Megan as kids, hanging out with their families in the woods. Later, Luke is lounging in the pool when his brother, Brent (Braeden De La Garza), tries to drown him. Thankfully, it’s just a joke. That leads to Luke, Brent, and Steve (Paul Adelstein) reminiscing about Luke’s mom.

The school year begins, and Megan (Sadie Stanley), Isabella (Lexi Underwood), and Luke hang out, having grown closer over the summer.

Sadie Stanley and Griffin Gluck in ‘Cruel Summer’ season 2 episode 8 (Freeform/Justine Yeung)

With just two episodes to go in Freeform’s Cruel Summer season two and, finally, with episode eight, we’re getting down to the business of discovering what went down during Luke’s last hours. Episode eight, “Confess your Sins,” takes place on:

August 1, 1999

January 1, 2000

August 1, 2000

Summer of 1999

After Megan (Sadie Stanley) tells Isabella (Lexi Underwood) about the kiss she and Luke shared (in episode seven), Megan thinks this could have never happened if it wasn’t for Isabella. Megan thanks her and calls Isabella the best friend she could ever have asked for.

Luke (Griffin Gluck) comes over and Megan wants some alone time with him, which seems to make Isabella sad. Debbie (KaDee Strickland) gives Isabella a pep talk about how she’s going to have fun when school starts.

Megan and Luke have a make-out session,...

San Diego Comic-Con is going to be a little different this year. Many studios had already dropped out of presenting, including Marvel, Sony, HBO, Universal, and Netflix, and now that SAG-AFTRA has joined the WGA on the picket lines, you can pretty much kiss any panel involving writers or actors goodbye. The official Comic-Con schedule has been updated with a list of cancelled panels, which unfortunately includes Dune: Part Two, The Boys spin-off series Gen V, Amazon’s The Wheel of Time, Lionsgate’s upcoming The Strangers trilogy, and more.

Behind the Scenes with the Cast of Jury Duty: Thursday, July 20 – 1:45pm – 2:45pm

From producers of The Office, The White Lotus, and Bad Trip, the Amazon Freevee Original series Jury Duty chronicles the inner workings of an American jury trial through the eyes of one particular juror, Ronald Gladden, who doesn’t realize that everyone around him is...

[This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike authorization.] Cruel Summer Season 2 is set in the Y2K era. Taking place in three different time periods in the same year at the end of the millennium, Gen Z stars Sadie Stanley (21) and Lexi Underwood (19) are leaning into the early 2000s nostalgia that defined their childhoods for the season. But what are their favorite pop culture references from that time? We asked, and their answers are in the video interview above. The Princess Diaries (2001) is at the top of Stanley’s mind when thinking about her favorite 2000s movies. “That was like my childhood,” she told us in the TV Insider office. Almost Famous and American Psycho (both 2000) are two more beloved flicks. For Underwood, her favorites are 10 Things I Hate About You, Love Jones, and Love & Basketball. When it comes to favorite TV shows, One Tree Hill is the first that comes to mind for Stanley,...

In our Q&a series Last Call, we get down to the bottom of every last thing with some of our favorite celebs - from the last time they were starstruck to the last song they listened to. This week, "Cruel Summer" star Nile Bullock takes our call.

In season two of "Cruel Summer," Nile Bullock's Jeff is the nice guy. The too-nice guy - he's polite and mostly unresentful when his love interest passes him up for his best friend. At least, as far as viewers have seen so far, with just a few episodes left to go in this second installment of the drama-thriller anthology series. This go-around, the mystery is set in a small Pacific Northwest town amid a complicated love triangle between friends Megan Landry (Sadie Stanley), Isabella Larue (Lexi Underwood), and Luke Chambers (Griffin Gluck). When a tragedy occurs, "Cruel Summer" uses its signature format...

Griffin Gluck in ‘Cruel Summer’ season 2 episode 7 (Freeform/Ricardo Hubbs)

Freeform’s Cruel Summer season two episode seven once again provides no clear answers to any lingering questions. In fact, it doesn’t even narrow the field of possible murderers!

As the clock ticks down and with just a few episodes to go, episode seven concentrates on the following dates:

July 31, 1999

December 31, 1999

July 31, 2000

Summer of 1999

It’s the morning after Luke’s party and Megan (Sadie Stanley) is mortified about the fact she was about to kiss Luke, but he ran off to vomit. Isabella (Lexi Underwood) gives her a pep talk.

And speaking of Luke (Griffin Gluck), he shows up as Megan and Isabella are in the midst of cleaning up after the party. Isabella puts him to work to help clean.

As they clean, Luke confesses some of the party was a blur, especially toward the end of the night.

With the WGA currently picketing and a looming SAG-AFTRA strike already impacting San Diego Comic-Con with several film and TV companies, i.e. Marvel, Lucasfilm, Sony, Universal, Netflix skipping, Lord knows what a truncated and tamer Comic-Con is going to look like from July 19-23, especially after an explosive 2022 which repped the confab’s return to in-person after going dark for two years during Covid for 2020 and 2021. However, here’s a glimpse at the first 3-days. Some shows and movies have promised cast appearances, but that’s still Tbd given that the SAG-AFTRA contract expires on July 12, and actors aren’t permitted to promote their wares during a work stoppage. There are some big pieces of IP below, read the new Peacock John Wick spinoff series, The Continental and Paramount’s Seth Rogen produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, as well as Jamie Lee Curtis, Tj Miller and...