Olivia Wilde & Jason Sudeikis Have CoParenting Down To A Science: &x27;Getting The Best Of Us&x27; Anna DensonSun, August 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM UTC 0 Presley Ann/Getty Images Ending a relationship is never easy, and the situation only gets more complicated when there are kids involved. From legal worries like child support and custody to the daily practicalities of raising children between two homes, coparenting with an ex can be a veritable minefield of potential conflicts. But it seems some celebrities have coparenting down to a science, such as former couple Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis.

Olivia Wilde & Jason Sudeikis Have Co-Parenting Down To A Science: 'Getting The Best Of Us'

Anna DensonSun, August 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM UTC

Presley Ann/Getty Images

Ending a relationship is never easy, and the situation only gets more complicated when there are kids involved. From legal worries like child support and custody to the daily practicalities of raising children between two homes, co-parenting with an ex can be a veritable minefield of potential conflicts. But it seems some celebrities have co-parenting down to a science, such as former couple Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis.

After meeting at a Hollywood party in 2011, actor-turned-director Wilde and "Ted Lasso" star Sudeikis quickly hit it off and got engaged in 2012. They then welcomed a son, Otis, in 2014, and a daughter, Daisy, in 2016. Still, there was no wedding date in sight — not necessarily a red flag, as many famous celebrity couples never plan to get married. But as the years went on, it became clear that something wasn't working, and the duo eventually called off their engagement in 2020. "There was absolutely no drama or scandal; they just didn't work as a couple anymore," an anonymous source told ET at the time. And while the years following their split were sometimes rocky, Wilde and Sudeikis never lost sight of their children's well-being.

"Their kids are their number one priority and at the forefront of any decision they make," ET's source went on. "They will continue to be each other's biggest supporters, especially when it comes to parenting." And it seems that Wilde and Sudeikis have cracked the code to civil cooperation. As Wilde said on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, their kids "are consistently getting the best of us in a way that when we were together was not possible." Time and again, Wilde has been outspoken that splitting up has actually made her and Sudeikis better parents.

Read more: The Most Unique Royal Family Baby Names & Their Deep Meanings

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis have more freedom and focus as independent co-parents

Ethan Miller/Getty & Kyle Rivas/Getty Images

Appearing on "Call Her Daddy" in 2026, Olivia Wilde explained her post-separation parenting style — and how co-parenting has empowered her and Jason Sudeikis to be more engaged with their kids. "I share custody, and I am really grateful for the opportunity to have this space when I am completely with my kids, completely engaged with them, and they are, you know, the focus," she said. Sudeikis has always agreed that simply 'being there' for your kids is extremely important. "I think staying around is the trick. Being present is a good quality," he told Us Weekly in 2018, joking, "At least I'll know how I screwed them up!"

Still speaking to "Call Her Daddy," Wilde explained, "Once you are sharing custody with someone, it shifts the way you think about parenting. I really value the opportunity to be completely present with them and then to hand them off to a very capable co-parent ... I have this space, which is permission to then go work."

Of course, this sometimes draws comments from the peanut gallery. But Wilde doesn't let outside opinions upset their co-parenting balance. "If I know that I'm showing up for my kids in all the important ways, then I feel confident despite any judgment," Wilde said, explaining that even when she misses an event with her kids, she's "talking to them about their day" and "engaging with them in the way that actually mattered." In essence, she and Sudeikis have created a system that values quality time over quantity. Now, Wilde just wishes that other struggling parents could overcome stigma to embrace this approach for themselves.

Olivia Wilde doesn't believe in prolonging an unhappy relationship for the sake of children

oliviawilde / Instagram

Parents can hesitate to end a long-term relationship, fearing the impact on their kids. However, Olivia Wilde thinks staying out of duty is worse. Some parents may feel guilty about separating because they worry that their children will be getting less love, but that doesn't have to be the case. "You can create a dynamic that allows that kid to have the maximum amount of love," she told "Call Her Daddy," citing herself and Sudeikis as a prime example. "We did not work together, but we work really well as separated co-parents. And I so when I talk to people who are just in very unhappy situations and staying in it for the kids, I'm like, you're doing no one any favors."

Sometimes, it may even be best for parents to completely avoid contact, protecting their individual peace — and their kids' — by taking a parallel parenting approach. As Wilde added, "I really want to tell people, you can be an incredible parent. Even if you are not with them 100% of the time and you're sharing them with their other parent, it doesn't mean you won't be as good of a parent. You might even be a better parent."

Ultimately, the "House" actor believes that co-parenting thrives under a divide-and-conquer strategy, where both parents can enjoy focused time with their kids while maintaining other priorities. "You have to find the balance," said Wilde, declaring that divvying up responsibilities "can allow for really amazing parenting because we are always our best with our kids. They get the best of us."

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Source: Entertainment

Published: August 24, 2026 at 01:09AM on Source: PRIME TIME

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August 23, 2026

Olivia Wilde & Jason Sudeikis Have Co-Parenting Down To A Science: 'Getting The Best Of Us'

Olivia Wilde & Jason Sudeikis Have CoParenting Down To A Science: &x27;Getting The Best Of Us&x27; Anna DensonSun, Au...

Dolly Parton Shares Update on Navigating ‘Hard Times With My Health’ She Hadn’t Paid ‘Attention To’ Miranda SiwakSat, August 22, 2026 at 6:01 PM UTC 204 Jason Kempin/Getty Images Dolly Partonis opening up about the “hard times with my health” she’s been forced to face in a new update. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl [Thomas Dean],” Parton, 80, told Peoplein an interview published Friday, August 21, referring to her late husband who died at 82 in March 2025.

Dolly Parton Shares Update on Navigating ‘Hard Times With My Health’ She Hadn’t Paid ‘Attention To’

Miranda SiwakSat, August 22, 2026 at 6:01 PM UTC

204

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Dolly Partonis opening up about the “hard times with my health” she’s been forced to face in a new update.

“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl [Thomas Dean],” Parton, 80, told Peoplein an interview published Friday, August 21, referring to her late husband who died at 82 in March 2025.

Parton announced in May that she needed to postpone her Las Vegas residency over undisclosed health concerns. At the time, the country icon revealed that she was “responding really well to meds and treatment.”

While discussing her health issues with People, Parton acknowledged that she’s previously overcome other conditions related to her health.

Dolly Parton Abruptly Skips Dollywood Event Due to Health Issues: ‘Sometimes I Get a Little Dizzy’

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said. “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.”

Earlier this month, Parton missed a scheduled appearance at the opening of a new roller coaster at her Dollywood theme park.

“I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned,” she said in a video message shared with attendees. “Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.”

Parton continued at the time, “I’m dehydrated, so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t traveling this week. I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t traveling this week.”

Dolly Parton Postpones Vegas Shows Due to ‘Health Challenges’: ‘I Need a Little Time’

Despite her health woes, Parton has continually insisted that she was improving slowly but surely.

“It’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say,” she said in her May health update. “And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels.”

Comparing herself to a “classic car” merely in need of restoration, Parton promised to return to the stage “better than ever.”

“When they raised the hood on this old antique, they realized that I need to rebuild my engine and that my transmission is slipping, my oil pan is leaking, my muffler is busted and my shocks and pistons need to be replaced, and for sure, my spark plugs need to be changed,” Parton quipped. “My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”

Original Article on Source

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Published: August 23, 2026 at 08:36PM on Source: PRIME TIME

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August 23, 2026

Dolly Parton Shares Update on Navigating ‘Hard Times With My Health’ She Hadn’t Paid ‘Attention To’

Dolly Parton Shares Update on Navigating ‘Hard Times With My Health’ She Hadn’t Paid ‘Attention To’ Miranda SiwakSat, August 22...

‘Lioness’ Star Thad Luckinbill Unpacks Kyle’s Deadly Decision in ‘Murder Hornets’ Amanda BellSun, August 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC 0 Thad Luckinbill as Kyle in Lioness, episode 4, season 3, streaming on Paramount+, 2026. Photo Credit: Lauren "Lo" Smith/Paramount+ Lauren "Lo" Smith / Paramount+ The fallout from Joe’s (Zoe Saldaña) kidnapping continued in the latest episode of Lioness — with deadly consequences.

‘Lioness’ Star Thad Luckinbill Unpacks Kyle’s Deadly Decision in ‘Murder Hornets’

Amanda BellSun, August 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC

Thad Luckinbill as Kyle in Lioness, episode 4, season 3, streaming on Paramount+, 2026. Photo Credit: Lauren "Lo" Smith/Paramount+ - Lauren "Lo" Smith / Paramount+

The fallout from Joe’s (Zoe Saldaña) kidnapping continued in the latest episode of Lioness — with deadly consequences. Warning: Spoilers forLionessSeason 3 Episode 4, “Murder Hornets,” ahead!

The episode begins with Joe in captivity, being tortured by her Russian captor before she’s dragged kicking and screaming onto a plane.

Kaitlyn (Nicole Kidman) and Byron (Michael Kelly) then huddle with Edwin Mullen (Morgan Freeman) to discuss both strategy and the worst-case scenario. If Joe is kidnapped by Russians, they can extract intel from her about the Lioness program, which would cause feather-ruffling with allies based on their past activities; but what would really be a problem is if they turn her over to Iran, which will make a spectacle of her inevitable trial and execution.

Two Cups (James Jordan) and Bobby (Jill Wagner) track down Joe’s location at the hangar, and Kyle (Thad Luckinbill) devises a circuitous route to access it without alerting those inside. Unfortunately, what they find is not Joe but two lackeys left behind after the plane’s departure.

This is when things get ugly. Though Bobby wants to bring them in for official questioning, Kyle has his own unconventional methods. After the first new hostage proves unhelpful, he shoots him point-blank and moves on to the other, who provides the tail number of the jet and is rewarded with his life as a result.

From there, it’s a race to find the jet for the others, while Bobby immediately informs Kaitlyn of Kyle’s illegal act. Kyle defends himself by insisting no police are going to be called on this and the consequences of Joe’s capture are too consequential for Israel (if she’s nabbed by Iran) to let any stone go unturned. Ostensibly, Kate reprimands Kyle, but after the others are dismissed, she entrusts him with the job of bringing back Oleksandra (Elizaveta Neretin) for potential intel.

Kyle’s actions are just the latest example of the character going rogue throughout Lioness, and it’s also another indication that the once-fringe member of the team is becoming a central component. To unpack his deadly decision and more, TV Insider caught up with Thad Luckinbill.

Did you know before this season that Kyle would become such a big centerpiece?

Thad Luckinbill: No. All of us are always guessing, “What’s going to happen this season?”… No, I had no idea. I’m always grateful that, first of all, the fans like it because I mean, I think if they didn’t, obviously, it wouldn’t be happening. But also that Taylor [Sheridan] likes it and he keeps writing it and believes in me enough to just keep expanding the role a bit. But it’s such a great ensemble. Let’s be honest. You can’t go wrong. You could push any of these guys out to the front, and they’d shine, too. It’s a really fun show that way.

Emerson Miller / Paramount+

Yeah, that’s true. But Kyle is a little bit singular in the fact that we, as an audience, still don’t fully know whether to trust him or his decision-making. So, what’s it like for you to kind of play that line where he can be a little bit sneaky?

Yeah, I mean, it’s probably the most fun character I’ve ever played, I’ll be honest with you, and because there are so many levels to it… I remember when I got the scripts, and I read it, I thought, “God.”… I remember thinking I’m going to take a little bit of this actor and a little bit of this actor, and I know Taylor, and I know his writing, obviously, and I know some of the characters he’s written. I’m like, “Oh, I remember a little bit from that, from that one,” and so I took an amalgamation of things that felt right to me. But what I don’t think I anticipated was his cavalier approach that kept me not really caring that much about [things] — I mean, caring but not caring, right? Doing things at all costs, getting the objective done at all costs. I think that’s the piece of it that evolved a little bit more from the beginning.

Yeah, it’s absolutely true, and actually, that dovetails into another question I have. There’s a scene where he’s trying to convince Kaitlyn that nothing’s going to happen, that the consequences of not killing the guy at the airport are worse than if he did. What was his motivation in that moment? Do you think he cared about Joe, or was it what he was saying, that this international crisis with Israel and Iran can spiral?

New 'Lioness' Star Elizaveta Neretin Reveals a Personal Connection to Her Character

No, I think he believes that. I think part of the way this character was developed was he and Joe worked together in the past. They’ve been with the CIA a long time, and they probably worked with each other, had to call in favors, etc. etc., and then some of that was discussed in previous seasons. But he’s been doing this a long time, and I think some of the stuff they’re even discussing now paints a little bit more of a picture of what his background really is and how much experience he really has. So, I think he has a very clear understanding… of the geopolitics and the repercussions.

So, obviously, in that situation, Kyle and Joe have a very strong relationship, and he’s going to do anything and everything to get her back. But he also knows that… just like what Joe had to do in the first season, where she had to kill her own Lioness — she had to call the bombs back on her own Lioness, she knows what happens if they get her — same thing with Kyle. Kyle knows what happens if Joe falls, and they get the information because she has a wealth of knowledge that they’re going to try to extract, and it puts everybody at risk.

I like what that did to the Kaitlyn dynamic, too… His ability to spout all that out in that moment to such a big person — this is the deputy director’s direct report — and it seemed like she was saying something to the effect of, “You’re on your own if this doesn’t work out, but come with me because we’ve got to talk.” Like she was endeared to him in a way, impressed.

Yeah, well, I mean, he has a lot more clearance, as does Joe, than the QRF team does, right? So, she has to pull him aside to say, essentially, “Look, you’re right, but you did this in a way that gives us a lot of problems. Don’t do it in front of them. Don’t do it again. There are people you do this with, and you know the people you can’t do this with.” I think it was a little bit of a chastise and, “Yeah, you’re right in doing it, but you’re wrong in the way you did it and who you did it with.” … And yeah, I love working with Nicole, by the way… She’s really, really such a good actress, but it’s fun working with her in this dynamic because there’s a little bit of, she needs him, and he obviously needs her and Byron.

Lioness, Sundays, Paramount+

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Published: August 23, 2026 at 07:45PM on Source: PRIME TIME

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‘Lioness’ Star Thad Luckinbill Unpacks Kyle’s Deadly Decision in ‘Murder Hornets’

‘Lioness’ Star Thad Luckinbill Unpacks Kyle’s Deadly Decision in ‘Murder Hornets’ Amanda BellSun, August 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC ...

Bret Michaels cancels 2026 tour after doctors order more recovery Kim Willis and Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAYSun, August 23, 2026 at 4:23 PM UTC 0 Bret Michaels is off the road for the rest of the year as he recovers from kidney stone surgery. A day after returning to his Live and Amplified tour with a performance in Sugar Hill, Georgia, the rock star, 63, announced that he’s calling off his remaining 2026 dates.

Bret Michaels cancels 2026 tour after doctors order more recovery

Kim Willis and Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAYSun, August 23, 2026 at 4:23 PM UTC

Bret Michaels is off the road for the rest of the year as he recovers from kidney stone surgery.

A day after returning to his Live and Amplified tour with a performance in Sugar Hill, Georgia, the rock star, 63, announced that he’s calling off his remaining 2026 dates.

“Doctors and paramedics determined immediately after the show that he still needs additional rest and recovery from his recent surgeries,” according to a statement shared on Michaels’ verified social accounts on Saturday, Aug. 22. “Bret will be taking the next several months off to heal and get back to 100%.”

The post also quotes his physicians, Dr. Abby Borhan and Dr. Patel: “We will be pulling Bret off the road for the time being. He wanted to attempt this show, but we feel there is a much-needed period of rest and slow recovery ahead, especially considering the heat and humidity during the summer months and the effect it can have on his blood sugar levels.”

Bret Michaels forced to postpone shows: The Poison star gives surgery recovery update

Hours later, in a pinned comment on his Instagram account, the Poison frontman wrote: “In my nonstop spirit to go out & do what I love − which is to play music and to see all of you, all my family, friends and fans & meet everybody … it’s what I truly love − I may have just chosen to go sooner than I should have. We will come back better than ever.”

USA TODAY has reached out to Michaels’ representatives for an update.

Last month, Michaels underwent surgery to remove a kidney stone and place a ureteral stent, which took him off the stage for several weeks.

The rock star, a Type 1 diabetic since childhood, has been candid with fans about his health issues. He suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2010, had a hole in his heart repaired in 2011 and underwent kidney surgery in 2014.

"I adapt and change with what my body can do," he told USA TODAY in 2023. "There is no magic pill. I am like a true muscle car – still fast, still fun to ride, but I just need a little more maintenance."

His last planned dates for 2026 were Nov. 13 and 14 in Harris, Michigan, at Island Resort and Casino.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bret Michaels cancels 2026 tour after doctors order more recovery

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Bret Michaels cancels 2026 tour after doctors order more recovery

Bret Michaels cancels 2026 tour after doctors order more recovery Kim Willis and Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAYSun, August 23, 20...

The Bard goes bawdy in this giddy romp of a production Kirsten GrantSun, August 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC 0 Gracie OddieJames as Celia in As You Like It at Shakespeare’s Globe Marc Brenner Next month, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will make history by staging its firstever allmale production of As You Like It. It stars Broadway stalwart Jonathan Groff and is already creating a buzz.

The Bard goes bawdy in this giddy romp of a production

Kirsten GrantSun, August 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC

Gracie Oddie-James as Celia in As You Like It at Shakespeare’s Globe - Marc Brenner

Next month, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will make history by staging its first-ever all-male production of As You Like It. It stars Broadway stalwart Jonathan Groff and is already creating a buzz. But before that, the Globe rounds off its summer season of comedies with a crowd-pleasing spin on Shakespeare’s pastoral romp about four pairs of lovers running around in the woods – with disguises adding confusion to the mix. Even if it doesn’t always convince emotionally, this pacy production, which leans into the play’s bawdy humour, is still rambunctious fun.

Co-directors Sean Holmes and Charlie Josephine (who also plays Orlando) have created two visually distinct worlds. Before the characters flee to the idyllic Forest of Arden, the action begins in Duke Frederick’s stifling, corrupt court. We first meet Rosalind – whose father, Duke Senior, was usurped – with her cousin Celia, barely able to move in their tall wigs and pastel Georgian gowns. The rest of the decadently dressed court pose in tableaux against the blank canvases which fill the back of the stage; their continuous presence adds to the claustrophobia.

When we shift to Arden – with characters lounging around carefree munching on apples – trees (and blossom when the lovers unite) are painted onto the lifeless canvases. The effect is oddly distancing, and never for one second did I feel immersed in a forest setting.

Paul Wills’s striking costumes are more successful. Amid the dingier rustic clothes worn in Arden, new arrivals Rosalind, Celia – whose sheltered view of how a shepherdess might dress is a cross between Marie Antoinette and Bo Peep – and the court jester Touchstone look hilariously out of place in their disguises.

In terms of the performances, the highlight is the gossipy rapport between two female friends, with Gracie Oddie-James’s spirited, breezy Celia teasing an uptight Rosalind (Lola Shalam) about her crush on Orlando. The pair share some of the show’s funniest moments. With comically exaggerated expressions, Oddie-James is a scene-stealer, which is refreshing given that Celia often feels so sidelined.

Lola Shalam performs as uptight Rosalind - Marc Brenner

It’s a shame, then, that the central romantic pairing never ignites. Left uneducated by his brother, Josephine’s laddish Orlando – with an Estuary accent – sticks out like a sore thumb in the aristocratic court. That characterisation could work, but it’s hard to understand why Shakespeare’s most intelligent female character would fall for this rather gormless and ultimately passive figure. Barely able to contain her sexual desire, Shalam’s forceful Rosalind – in disguise as “Ganymede” – takes the reins in this essentially one-sided relationship, badgering a clueless Orlando into proving his love.

There are some noteworthy performances elsewhere. Peter Bourke as Orlando’s frail servant is a particular highlight; his clarion delivery outshines those whose lines are drowned out by aeroplanes flying above the theatre. Touchstone can be a grating, tedious character, but Jonnie Broadbent – who for some reason spends almost the entire play half-naked – wins a good chunk of the laughs, especially in his lusty displays with Phoebe Naughton’s goatherd Audrey.

Holmes and Josephine’s staging doesn’t concern itself with As You Like It’s emotional depths. (Katherine Pearce’s Jaques is less melancholy and becomes a rather understated figure.) Instead, peppered with audience sing-alongs and folk music, this evening of “rustic revelry” will send audiences out on a giddy high.

Until Oct 25 at Shakespeare’s Globe.

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Published: August 23, 2026 at 05:36PM on Source: PRIME TIME

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The Bard goes bawdy in this giddy romp of a production

The Bard goes bawdy in this giddy romp of a production Kirsten GrantSun, August 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC 0 Gracie OddieJames as Ce...

Taylor Sheridan accused of stealing idea for Yellowstone in copyright lawsuit Tom MurraySun, August 23, 2026 at 2:15 PM UTC 0 Taylor Sheridan is accused of copying the idea for ‘Yellowstone’ from a writer’s 2016 pitch in a new lawsuit (Getty) Taylor Sheridan has been accused of stealing the idea for Yellowstone from a writer’s 2016 pitch, according to a new copyright infringement lawsuit. In the complaint, obtained by The Independent, Lauren J. Salkin alleges that her rejected pitch bore a number of striking similarities to Sheridan’s hit neoWestern drama.

Taylor Sheridan accused of stealing idea for Yellowstone in copyright lawsuit

Tom MurraySun, August 23, 2026 at 2:15 PM UTC

Taylor Sheridan is accused of copying the idea for ‘Yellowstone’ from a writer’s 2016 pitch in a new lawsuit (Getty)

Taylor Sheridan has been accused of stealing the idea for Yellowstone from a writer’s 2016 pitch, according to a new copyright infringement lawsuit.

In the complaint, obtained by The Independent, Lauren J. Salkin alleges that her rejected pitch bore a number of striking similarities to Sheridan’s hit neo-Western drama.

101 Studios, Paramount Global and NBCUniversal are also named as defendants in the suit.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Sheridan and those companies for comment.

In the complaint, Salkin’s lawyers claim she spent more than a decade developing a television series named Sovereign Nation, which centered on “tribal governance, casino-driven economic power, and a modern war over land and development.”

Kevin Costner starred as John Dutton in Sheridan’s wildly successful Western drama (Paramount)

Salkin claims she submitted Sovereign Nation to Taylor Sheridan’s representatives in late 2016 and received a rejection in February 2017. “Taylor thanks you very much for your interest. Unfortunately, he’s unavailable for TV projects,” read the response from his representatives, according to the suit.

Months later, Yellowstone was greenlit by Paramount and its first episode aired on June 20, 2018.

Yellowstone starred Kevin Costner as ranch patriarch John Dutton and followed his family’s fight to protect their sprawling Montana ranch from developers, Native American tribes and rival interests seeking to seize control of their land.

Yellowstone ran for five wildly successful seasons from 2018 to 2024, shattering cable viewing records and spawning an expansive television franchise.

Salkin’s lawyers claim the show “included specific expressive choices already embodied” in Sovereign Nation.

They allegedly included: “A tribal casino functioning as the institutional center of political and development power; a signature confrontation staged in the tribal chairman’s casino office over expansion beyond reservation boundaries; the use of trust land, the absence of zoning restrictions, and a 99-year lease structure as the concrete mechanism for that expansion; and recurring master-plan imagery deployed to dramatize the struggle for territorial control.”

Furthermore, Salkin’s lawyers also claim that she suggested actors Danny Huston and Gil Birmingham in her pitch deck. Both were later cast in Yellowstone and played “materially parallel structural roles,” they allege: “Birmingham as the tribal political leader whose authority and development strategy run through the casino, and Huston as the outside development power broker who supplies the political or commercial path for that expansion.”

The claimant’s lawyers claim Gil Birmingham (right) was cast in ‘Yellowstone’ months after she suggested the actor for the project she pitched to Sheridan (Getty)

Sheridan had previously cast Birmingham in his 2017 film Wind River, however.

The suit goes on to claim that a senior, unnamed HBO TV executive who had reviewed materials for Sovereign Nation later told her he recognized similarities in Yellowstone and rejected Sheridan’s show for that reason.

“When the works are objectively compared, the same coordinated design repeatedly appears: casino-centered institutions organize political power; the same unusual land-development mechanisms propel the conflict; parallel scenes perform the same dramatic functions; and the same actors appear in materially parallel roles,” the complaint says.

“These are not merely convergences of a shared genre. Taken together with access and timing, they support a strong inference of copying.”

Salkin is seeking damages and profits tied to alleged copyright infringement and injunctive relief preventing future infringement.

“This is a classic David-versus-Goliath situation,” Salkin’s attorney Paul B. Lackey told The Hollywood Reporter.

“She spent years putting together the specific and multi-layered framework for a story that has become the biggest streaming success of all time. She has watched the vast commercial success of this story that was stolen from her and decided that enough was enough. We will do everything in our power to get her justice.”

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Published: August 23, 2026 at 05:36PM on Source: PRIME TIME

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Taylor Sheridan accused of stealing idea for Yellowstone in copyright lawsuit

Taylor Sheridan accused of stealing idea for Yellowstone in copyright lawsuit Tom MurraySun, August 23, 2026 at 2:15 PM UTC 0 Ta...

Meghan Markle Reportedly Eyes Acting Comeback Amid Controversial Plans to Return to the U.K. Morning Honey Staff Sun, August 23, 2026 at 1:30 PM UTC 0 Meghan Markle is reportedly eyeing Hollywood comeback amid U.K. return | image source: MEGA As Prince Harry reportedly plans to return to the U.K. with his family, Meghan Markle seems to be eyeing a lifechanging opportunity. It’s been a decade since her engagement to the prince; the Suits actress paused her acting career to take on her royal role. However, now that she and her husband are planning to move to the U.K.

Meghan Markle Reportedly Eyes Acting Comeback Amid Controversial Plans to Return to the U.K.

Morning Honey Staff Sun, August 23, 2026 at 1:30 PM UTC

Meghan Markle is reportedly eyeing Hollywood comeback amid U.K. return | image source: MEGA

As Prince Harry reportedly plans to return to the U.K. with his family, Meghan Markle seems to be eyeing a life-changing opportunity. It’s been a decade since her engagement to the prince; the Suits actress paused her acting career to take on her royal role.

However, now that she and her husband are planning to move to the U.K., reports suggest that Markle has received an acting offer. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, the 45-year-old could make her big-screen comeback when she moves back to Britain.

Meghan Markle’s Acting Offer Might Explain Their U.K. Move

According to entertainment sources who have spoken with the Australian outlet News.com.au,Meghan Markle has been offered a role in an upcoming untitled project based in the U.K.

Although the Duchess and people close to her have refrained from addressing the rumor, it has gained momentum as a potential reason for Markle and Prince Harry’s sudden decision to move to the U.K.

When the couple visited King Charles III at Highgrove House with their children in July 2026, they did not disclose their plans to move to Britain. The King was reportedly informed of the decision on Sunday.

Although Markle has remained a prominent on-screen figure, appearing in documentaries, interviews, and even on MasterChef Australia, she has yet to appear in leading roles in films, after quitting her acting career in 2017.

She told the Daily Mail at that time, “What’s been really exciting, as we talk about this as the transition out of my career is that the causes that have been very important to me, I can focus even more energy on.”

“You realise that as you have access, or a voice that people are willing to listen to, [it comes with] a lot of responsibility, which I take seriously. I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change. It’s a new chapter,” Markle said.

The Duke and Duchess’ Security Funding Remains a ‘Private Matter’

Meanwhile, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to return to the U.K. and live in a non-royal residence outside London, it has raised concerns surrounding their security arrangements.

However, when the U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was asked about the couple’s security and how it might be funded, he said that it’s a “private matter.”

“This is a private matter. It’s a matter for Harry and Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making,” Burnham said, raising people’s curiosity.

Netizens thus reacted to the situation, saying, “How can it be a private matter if PUBLIC money is used?” While others wrote, “I am not standing for Prince Harry and his wife Black Meghan.”

byPrime Sky

in

August 23, 2026

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The actor from “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” and “Scream 4” joins the fast-growing entertainment business.

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By Nick Romano

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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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New Photo - The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix

Crime rates rise during warmer weather, but they stay elevated on this streamer all year round. The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix Crime rates rise during warmer weather, but they stay elevated on this streamer all year round. By Ilana Gordon, Melissa Sherrard, and Kevin Jacobsen on August 20, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamuelBatemanConnieGriffinAvaDuVernay0702260c44df2a252349e09377c78f39a8edf6.jpg) Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’; Connie Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’; Ava DuVernay in ‘13th’.

Crime rates rise during warmer weather, but they stay elevated on this streamer all year round.

The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix

Crime rates rise during warmer weather, but they stay elevated on this streamer all year round.

By Ilana Gordon, Melissa Sherrard, and Kevin Jacobsen

on August 20, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET

Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’; Connie Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’; Ava DuVernay in ‘13th’

Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’; Connie Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’; Ava DuVernay in ‘13th’. Credit:

If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime. But if you have time to watch a documentary, Netflix has a number of options worth adding to your queue. The streamer’s catalog is crammed with projects that turn crime inside out, exploring forgotten cases and the inner workings of the American justice system.

This month marks ten years since the *I**ndianapolis Star *released the first reporting alleging that USA Gymnastics had failed to report — and instead covered up — sexual abuse perpetrated against underage gymnasts. The subsequent fallout is covered in detail in *Athlete A* (2020), a sports documentary that EW gave an A–. EW’s critic writes that the film centers the athletes, granting them “the right to be not merely victims or objects of prurient fascination, but whole human beings with their own stories to tell.”

Ready to dive down your next justice-related rabbit hole? Keep reading for **’s list of the 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix.

Amanda Knox (2016)

Amanda Knox in 'Amanda Knox'

Amanda Knox in ‘Amanda Knox’. Netflix

The saga of Amanda Knox has been one of the most public cases of the modern age. This 2016 documentary chronicles her journey from being convicted for the 2007 murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, to her experience of being smeared by the press and her eventual acquittal. Knox tells her story in her own words, alongside interviews with her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito (also convicted and acquitted) and others involved in the case, all speaking directly to the camera. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Amanda Knox*: Netflix

**Directors:** Rod Blackhurst, Brian McGinn

American Godfathers: The Five Families (2024)

Paul Cantarella in 'American Godfathers: The Five Families'

Paul Cantarella in ‘American Godfathers: The Five Families’.

*The Sopranos* humanized the Mob; now learn the backstory with the History Channel’s three-part documentary series, *American Godfathers: The Five Families*. Chronicling the rise and fall of America’s most successful organized crime syndicate, the documentary’s three parts — “Death of the Old Rules,” “Rise of the New Dons,” and “The Last Don” — break down how the five families created the Commission to manage illegal businesses and serve as a self-contained governing body.

Starting with their rise during Prohibition, *American Godfathers* deconstructs how one of the United States’ largest organizations — at one point, second only to the federal government — developed a power so dominant, it was able to keep the word “Mafia” out of Francis Ford Coppola’s *The Godfather** *(1972). Prepare to become very familiar with the names Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Bonanno, and Colombo. *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *American Godfathers: The Five Families*: Netflix

**Cast: **Michael Imperioli

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie in 'American Murder: Gabby Petito'

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie in ‘American Murder: Gabby Petito’.

The story of an aspiring van life vlogger who went missing while traveling the country with her fiancé in an RV captivated America as it unfolded over the summer of 2021. Online, Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie appeared to be living the dream. They were two young, attractive people in love, driving around the country as Gabby attempted to document their journey on YouTube.

But behind the scenes, the young couple was struggling with big issues, and after Gabby is murdered and Brian disappears, the truth finally comes out. A documentary that emphasizes the importance of knowing the markers of domestic violence and controlling relationships, *American Murder: Gabby Petito* serves as a tribute to a young person gone too soon, and a road map that hopefully steers others away from embarking down a similar path. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *American Murder: Gabby Petito*: Netflix

**Directors: **Michael Gasparro, Julia Willoughby Nason

Amy Bradley Is Missing (2025)

Amy and Brad Bradley in 'Amy Bradley Is Missing'

Amy and Brad Bradley in ‘Amy Bradley Is Missing’.

In March of 1998, Amy Bradley and her family left Virginia and boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a vacation. Amy never came home, and her body was never found. Almost 30 years have passed since Amy disappeared, but her family believes she is still alive and out there somewhere.

*Amy Bradley Is Missing* is a three-part documentary series dedicated to Amy’s case, the story of her life, and the work Amy’s family and friends have done since she went missing to try to bring her home. Featuring interviews with Amy’s loved ones, the law enforcement officers dedicated to her case, and the witnesses who claim to have spotted her over the years, the documentary can’t conclusively say what happened to Amy, but it does offer some plausible theories. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Amy Bradley Is Missing*: Netflix

**Directors:** Phil Lott, Ari Mark

**Cast:** Iva Bradley, Mark Bradley, Brad Bradley

Athlete A (2020)

Maggie Nichols in 'Athlete A'

Maggie Nichols in ‘Athlete A’. Jon Shenk/Netflix

This award-winning documentary follows the revelation that USA Gymnastics (USAG) doctor Larry Nassar had been sexually assaulting countless female athletes under his care. The exposé began when reporters at *The Indianapolis Star* got a tip that they should investigate USAG. As the truth slowly came out, gymnast Maggie Nichols (referred to as “Athlete A” at the time to protect her identity) was key to shedding light on the abuses that had been going on for years, supposedly with a nod from at least one of the organization’s higher-ups. One of the rare examples of true crime being inspiring, *Athlete A* is a valuable record of recent history and a beacon of accountability. —*Melissa Sherrard*

Where to watch *Athlete A*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Directors:** Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk

Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019)

Bikram Choudhury (right) in 'Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator'

Bikram Choudhury (right) in ‘Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator’.

Courtesy of Netflix

Yoga’s evolution from a traditional Indian practice to Western exercise movement can be partially attributed to the rise of Bikram yoga. Bikram Choudhury — a world-famous yogi whose clientele in the 1970s included everyone from Hollywood actors to Richard Nixon — founded Bikram’s Yoga College of India in Los Angeles, and his popularity and teacher training programs helped foster the yoga health trend in the late-‘90s. Described by one of his former students as a “cross between Mother Teresa and Howard Stern,” Bikram’s yoga empire came crashing down amidst accusations of rape and sexual harassment that emerged in the 21st century.

A film directed by Eva Orner, *Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator* tells the story of Yogi Bikram’s rise and fall, as told by the people who studied with him, the women who were abused by him, and the followers who continue to defend him. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator*: Netflix

**Director:** Eva Orner

The Crash (2026)

Mackenzie Shirilla in 'The Crash'

Mackenzie Shirilla in ‘The Crash’.

Drug-fueled car accident or cold-blooded murder? On July 31, 2022, recent high school graduate Mackenzie Shirilla slammed her car into a brick commercial building in a Cleveland suburb at 100 mph; the car’s brakes were never applied. Shirilla survived, but the crash killed her two passengers: Shirilla’s boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan.

The case at the center of *The Crash* examines whether Shirilla’s actions were — as she claimed — the result of a night spent partying, or retribution against her boyfriend for wanting to escape their toxic relationship. An aspiring influencer before her arrest, the documentary benefits from plenty of candid footage of Shirilla and her victims. Shirilla participates via prison interview, but the TikTok clips provide a fuller illustration of her true motives and personality. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Crash*:* *Netflix

**Director: **Gareth Johnson

Dirty Money (2018–2020)

Martin Shkreli testifying in 'Dirty Money'

Martin Shkreli testifying in ‘Dirty Money’. Netflix

Corporate corruption is always entertaining, and *Dirty Money* carries that torch further. Each episode in its two seasons takes a deep dive into how greed, creative accounting, and outright fraud can cause widespread damage while those in the know make out like bandits. True incidents like the Volkswagen emissions scandal and the underhanded actions behind the growth of Wells Fargo are brought to life through interviews with both victims of these financial crimes and those who committed them. It’s as infuriating as it is entertaining, and it’s a great way to get a fully fleshed-out true crime story in quick hit episodes. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Dirty Money*: Netflix

**Directors:** Alex Gibney, Jesse Moss, Erin Lee Carr, Kristi Jacobson, Brian McGinn

Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)

Deanna Thompson in 'Don't F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer'

Deanna Thompson in ‘Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer’.

Courtesy of Netflix

The 2019 holiday season was hijacked by discussions about a Netflix docuseries called *Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer*. One of Netflix’s top five most-watched documentaries that year, this three-episode series details an open-source social media investigation into the perpetrator of a cruelty against animals video uploaded to YouTube in 2010.

By 2012, the man in the video was accused of murdering a student in Montreal and was the subject of an international manhunt. *Don’t F--- With Cats *tells the story of the group of internet sleuths who worked to track down the guy in the video and help bring him to justice. This is the only true crime series where Young Adult fiction writer John Green plays a key role, so don’t miss it. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer: *Netflix

**Director:** Mark Lewis

Escaping Twin Flames (2023)

Louise and Paula in 'Escaping Twin Flames'

Louise and Paula in ‘Escaping Twin Flames’.

Courtesy of Netflix

Fans of Cecilia Peck’s Starz docuseries *Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult *might want to check out her newest project, *Escaping Twin Flames*. One of two documentaries released on the Twin Flames Universe cult in 2023 (the other is *Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe*, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video), Peck’s new three-part docuseries tells the story of a couple who converted their success on YouTube into roles as the leaders of a cult targeting people looking for love.

The accusations leveled at the cult are familiar — abuse, control, indoctrination — but *Escaping Twin Flames* does a good job of shining a light on a little-known community that preys on people so determined to find love, they’re willing to look past the red flags of the high-control group they were in. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Escaping Twin Flames*: Netflix

**Director: **Cecilia Peck

Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018)

Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong in 'Evil Genius: The True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist'

Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong in ‘Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist’. Netflix

It’s not hard to see how the 2003 murder of Brian Wells — now known as the “collar bomb” or “pizza bomber” case — still piques the curiosity of true crime enthusiasts even two decades later. This four-part docuseries reveals that nothing is as it seems, given that Wells may have actually been under duress himself when he tried to rob a bank in Erie, Pa. Tune in for the twisted timeline of events that led to a senseless murder, and stay for the fascinating correspondence the directors maintained with the alleged mastermind behind the robbery-gone-wrong. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist*: Netflix

**Directors:** Barbara Schroeder, Trey Borzillieri

Icarus (2017)

Bryan Fogel in 'Icarus'

Bryan Fogel in ‘Icarus’. Netflix

This fascinating sports/political documentary is like following a thread that gradually reveals itself to be a tangled mess. Director Bryan Fogel unwinds this story in a gripping fashion, investigating illegal steroid use among athletes in Russia by developing a relationship with the head of an anti-doping lab in the country. The scientist, Grigory Rodchenkov, then drops a bombshell about his involvement in a doping program that allowed the country to evade detection in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

This revelation soon becomes an international scandal, resulting in threats to Rodchenkov’s life. The propulsive doc rightfully won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, with Fogel stating in his acceptance speech, “We hope *Icarus* is a wake-up call — yes, about Russia, but more than that, about the importance of telling the truth, now more than ever.” —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Icarus*: Netflix

**Director: **Bryan Fogel

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)

Chauntae Davies (center) and Jeffrey Epstein (right) in 'Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich'

Chauntae Davies (center) and Jeffrey Epstein (right) in ‘Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich’. Netflix

Based on the 2016 book of the same name by James Patterson, this docuseries details the criminal case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Over four episodes, *Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich* explains how the billionaire leveraged his wealth, power, and connections to continue committing these crimes for years. Featuring interviews with survivors, including Maria Farmer and the late Virginia Giuffre; former staff members; and law enforcement, it’s a harrowing tale you think you’ve seen play out in the news, but trust us — this docuseries reveals much more of the story. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich*: Netflix

**Director: **Lisa Bryant

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (2026)

Elizabeth Smart in 'Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart'

Elizabeth Smart in ‘Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart’.

Courtesy of Netflix

In June 2002, in the middle of the night, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart awoke in her Utah bedroom to find a man pointing a gun at her. The only witness to the kidnapping was Elizabeth’s 9-year-old sister, Mary Katherine. The Smart family’s story was headline news, and everyone assumed the worst. Then, nine months later, police found Elizabeth less than 20 miles away from home.

*Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart *tells Elizabeth’s story through exclusive footage and interviews with the Smart family, law enforcement officers, and reporters. If you’re looking for a true crime case with an inspiring ending, *Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart *merits your time. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart*: Netflix

**Director:** Benedict Sanderson

**Cast: **Elizabeth Smart

The 30 best documentaries on Netflix right now

Jackie Siegel in ‘The Queen of Versailles’; Buzz Aldrin in 'Apollo 11'; Seymour Hersh in 'Cover-Up'

30 must-see true crime documentaries on HBO Max

Nan Goldin in 'All the Beauty and the Bloodshed'; Kidnapped children in 'Chowchilla'; Robert Durst in 'The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst'

Long Shot (2017)

Juan Catalan in 'Long Shot'

Juan Catalan in ‘Long Shot’.

If you have 40 minutes, you have enough time to watch one of the wildest true crime stories on Netflix. Back in 2003, Juan Catalan was arrested for a murder he did not commit. Catalan claimed he was at a Dodgers game when the crime occurred, and Catalan’s lawyer was determined to prove his client’s innocence using footage from a TV show that was filming at the stadium that same day. The TV show in question? Larry David’s *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. *Long Shot* is the story of how a sitcom saved an innocent man’s life — it’s the kind of premise you’d expect to see as a storyline on* Curb*, only this is real-life, high-stakes stuff. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Long Shot*: Netflix

**Director:** Jacob LaMendola

Making a Murderer (2015–2018)

Steven Avery in 'Making a Murderer'

Steven Avery in ‘Making a Murderer’. Netflix

Over two seasons, viewers are walked through the events that landed Steven Avery in prison for nearly 20 years before he was eventually exonerated, only to end up back behind bars once accused of murdering a young photographer on his property. However, things are not as straightforward as they seem, with the docuseries generating plenty of publicity and calls to release Avery, all while Wisconsin officials cry foul over its depiction of their work. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Making a Murderer*: Netflix

**Director:** Moira Demos, Laura Ricciardi

Maternal Instinct (2026)

Wade Griffin in 'Maternal Instinct'

Wade Griffin in ‘Maternal Instinct’.

*Maternal Instinc*t is one of the more horrifying true crime documentaries released in recent years, and viewers should proceed with caution. The film tells the story of a 2020 case involving an East Texas woman’s fake pregnancy, and the real tragedy it created for the people living in the small town of New Boston. The content is shocking, but the coverage is thoughtful: Netflix’s film does justice to the victims, providing a textured look at the circumstances and psychological trauma that led to the crime, without centering the perpetrator as a key voice in the narrative. Fetal abduction is not an easy topic, and *Maternal Instinct* is not an enjoyable watch, but it is a sensitive film worthy of your time and consideration. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Maternal Instinct*: Netflix

**Director:** Jessica Dimmock

Our Father (2022)

Keith Boyle as Donald Cline in 'Our Father'

Keith Boyle as Donald Cline in ‘Our Father’. Netflix

As far as true crime documentaries go, this one shows how dreams can actually become the stuff of nightmares without any murder or gory mayhem. *Our Father* details the shock and horror several people experienced when they learned they are half-siblings fathered by Donald Cline, a popular fertility doctor in Indianapolis who used his own sperm to impregnate dozens of patients without their knowledge that he was the donor. The film takes us through the families’ discoveries and reveals the most unsettling truth of all: There’s little, if any, accountability for this kind of fertility fraud. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Our Father:* Netflix

**Director:** Lucie Jourdan

The Perfect Neighbor (2025)

Ajike Owens' family in 'The Perfect Neighbor'

Ajike Owens’ family in ‘The Perfect Neighbor’.

Courtesy of Netflix

Florida is known for employing a stand-your-ground law, a legal policy that provides residents the option of employing lethal force rather than retreating as a means of self-defense. The law has proven controversial in the past, but in 2023, it was tested when 35-year-old Ajike Owens was shot through a locked door while waiting to speak with her neighbor.

*The Perfect Neighbor* gives an unvarnished accounting of the events leading up to and following Owens’ murder using body cam footage collected during the police’s prior visits to the killer’s house. What emerges is a documentary free from editorializing — the story is told by Ajike, her neighbors, the police investigating the conflicts, and the killer herself. The events are hard to stomach, but the systemic issues the documentary highlights make *The Perfect Neighbor* a must-watch, and earned the film a 2026 Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Perfect Neighbor*: Netflix

**Director:** Geeta Gandbhir

The Predator of Seville (2026)

Manuel Blanco Vela in 'The Predator of Seville'

Manuel Blanco Vela in ‘The Predator of Seville’.

Studying abroad in a foreign country is sometimes challenging, but add in a serial predator and the dangers compound. In *The Predator of Seville*, one woman’s rape by her Spanish tour guide opened the door for a flood of other American students to report their own experiences of being drugged and sexually abused by the man they trusted to safely guide them through their travels.

The three-part series chronicles the emotional and time-intensive work Gabrielle Vega did to hold tour guide Manu Blanco Vega criminally responsible for his actions against her and multiple other women. A story of the grit and determination it takes to build an international case as a survivor of sexual violence, *The Predator of Seville* is an ultimately empowering watch. *—I.G*

Where to watch *The Predator of Seville*: Netflix

**Director: **Alejandro Olvera

ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019)

'ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke'

‘ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke’.

Singer-songwriter Sam Cooke only lived for 33 years, but during that time, he solidified his legacy as the “King of Soul.” Cooke was killed in Los Angeles in 1964 by the manager of a motel; the courts later declared his death a “justifiable homicide.” In this episode of Netflix’s *ReMastered*, the docuseries focuses on Cooke’s influence in life as a musician and activist, the circumstances that led to his death, and the theories surrounding the truth of what actually happened on Dec. 11, 1964, at the Hacienda Motel in South Central Los Angeles. *—I.G*

Where to watch *ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke*: Netflix

**Director: **Kelly Duane de la Vega

Sean Combs: The Reckoning (2025)

Sean 'Diddy' Combs in 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning'

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in ‘Sean Combs: The Reckoning’.

For more punch than a diss track, 50 Cent produced a four-part docuseries chronicling Diddy’s downfall. In September 2024, music mogul and rapper Sean Combs — better known as Diddy — was arrested in New York City and charged with multiple felonies, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

*Sean Combs: The Reckoning* investigates Diddy’s shadowy ascent through the music industry, his alleged connection to Tupac’s murder, his suspected role in a 1999 shooting, his alleged grooming and abuse of singer Cassie, and so much more. The series also features footage of Diddy in the weeks leading up to his arrest, the source of which is still unknown. *Sean Combs: The Reckoning* doesn’t spend much time on the infamous Diddy parties, but it is thoroughly researched and a very public takedown of a now disgraced mogul. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Sean Combs: The Reckoning*: Netflix

**Director: **Alexandria Stapleton

The Staircase (2004–2018)

Michael Peterson in 'The Staircase'

Michael Peterson in ‘The Staircase’. Sundance Channel

This 13-episode true crime miniseries covers the murder trial of Michael Peterson, a novelist who was accused of killing his wife, Kathleen, in their home after police found her bloody body at the bottom of a staircase. The question facing law enforcement seems straightforward enough: Was Kathleen’s death a cold-blooded murder or an honest accident? But when Michael’s secrets and a bit of international intrigue get thrown into the mix, things start to get hazy.

The family at the center is left questioning everything as a documentary crew films their journey right from the start. With universal acclaim and real footage from the courtroom and family interviews over several years, *The Staircase *is one of the most intriguing true crime series on Netflix. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *The Staircase*: Netflix

**Director:** Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

Strong Island (2017)

Yance Ford in 'Strong Island'

Yance Ford in ‘Strong Island’. Netflix

Yance Ford’s Oscar-nominated documentary about the 1992 murder of his brother William is a deeply personal story of racial injustice. Told from Ford and his family’s perspective, the film delves into the murder and subsequent trial, where an all-white jury failed to convict the killer, Mark P. Reilly, a white man. It’s a difficult watch, but one that continues to be relevant as America reckons with the sins of the past.

As EW’s critic wrote of the film, “*Strong *builds a poignant, methodical portrait of loss. Telling William’s story won’t bring him back, but at least it will let the world know he lived.” —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Strong Island*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Yance Ford

The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo (2020)

Marisela Escobedo in 'The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo'

Marisela Escobedo in ‘The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo’. Netflix

This searing doc is all about the persistence of a grieving mother and her tireless journey to seek justice. Marisela Escobedo was a Mexican woman who became a social activist after the murder of her 16-year-old daughter, Rubí Frayre. She tracked down Rubí’s killer, who subsequently confessed but was found innocent due to lack of evidence, which sparked outrage and caused Escobedo to keep fighting for justice and get a circuit court to overturn the acquittal.

The film delves into corruption within the Mexican judicial system while also delivering an emotionally wrenching experience for the audience, serving as a powerful testament to a mother’s love. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo*: Netflix

**Director:** Carlos Perez Osorio

Tiger King (2020)

A tiger and Joe Exotic in 'Tiger King'

A tiger and Joe Exotic in ‘Tiger King’. Netflix

The drama that erupted between feuding big cat keepers “Joe Exotic” and Carole Baskin captivated audiences just as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Viewers were drawn into the world of the tiger trade in the heart of the nation, the bizarre characters that run the industry, and the various crimes they commit in their power struggle. With accusations of everything from animal abuse to attempted murder (plus a weird sex cult), *Tiger King* is one wildly entertaining true crime series. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Tiger King*: Netflix

**Directors:** Eric Goode, Rebecca Chaiklin

Trust Me: The False Prophet (2026)

Samuel Bateman in 'Trust Me: The False Prophet'

Samuel Bateman in ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’.

When Warren Jeffs went to prison, he left behind a power vacuum within his fundamentalist Mormon sect; Samuel Bateman swooped in to fill it. Bateman claimed Jeffs was dead, and proceeded to marry more than 20 women, including 10 minors.

Cult expert Christine Marie and her videographer husband had recently moved to Shortcreek, Utah, and were concerned by Bateman’s growing family. He agreed to let them document his life, and using their access, they infiltrated the group, gained the women’s trust, and captured the fallout as law enforcement closed in. The four-episode series reached number one on Netflix’s English TV list shortly after its release, and provides a necessary narrative advancement to the story told in *Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey** *(2022). *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Trust Me: The False Prophet*: Netflix

**Director:** Rachel Dretzin

**Cast:** Christine Marie, Tolga Katas

The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson (2026)

Moriah Wilson in 'The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson'

Moriah Wilson in ‘The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson’.

Ansel Dickey/Courtesy of Netflix

Moriah Wilson was becoming a dominant force in women’s cycling when — at only 25 years old — the athlete was murdered while staying at a friend’s house in Austin, Tex. The story of who killed Wilson and why unfolds in *The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson*, a true crime documentary about Wilson’s murder, and the lengths to which the killer went to escape the country — and accountability.

Wilson’s death made national headlines when the story broke in May 2022, and the loss was felt deeply throughout the cycling community. The documentary fleshes out her story and adds a new perspective: that of professional cyclist Colin Strickland, the man who inadvertently made Wilson a target. *—I.G*

Where to watch *The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson*: Netflix

**Director:** Marina Zenovich

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (2025)

Lauryn Licari in 'Unknown Number: The High School Catfish'

Lauryn Licari in ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’.

Courtesy of Netflix

In 2021, a scandal divided a small town in Michigan. A high school girl and her boyfriend started receiving threatening texts from an unknown number — and no one could figure out who was sending them. The harassment continued for a year, during which time the school, law enforcement, and FBI got involved. They eventually figured out where the texts were coming from, and the culprit shocked *everyone*.

*Unknown Number: The High School Catfish* is one of those documentaries that is so outrageous, it gets people talking. And if you’ve somehow managed to avoid spoilers, log off right now and watch the film before that changes. But even if you’ve had the twist spoiled by the online discourse, the film is still worth watching: It’s one of those stories that’s so wild, you have to see it to believe it. *—I.G*

Where to watch *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*: Netflix

**Director: **Skye Borgman

Victim/Suspect (2023)

Amanda Pike and Rae de Leon in 'Victim/Suspect'

Amanda Pike and Rae de Leon in ‘Victim/Suspect’.

Studies indicate that the majority of women who experience sexual assault do not report the abuse, and the documentary *Victim/Suspect *gives some insight into one reason why women stay silent. Led by investigative journalist Rae de Leon, *Victim/Suspect* tells the story of young women who reported their abuse to the police, only to find themselves charged with the crime of having made a false report. A sobering account of the criminal, legal, and financial burdens foisted upon sexual abuse survivors who are only trying to tell the truth, *Victim/Suspect *gives terrifying insight into one deeply flawed area of America’s justice system. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Victim/Suspect*: Netflix

**Director: **Nancy Schwartzman

Wild Wild Country (2018)

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in 'Wild Wild Country'

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in ‘Wild Wild Country’. Netflix

*Wild Wild Country* tells the story of the controversial Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who set out to build his utopia in rural Oregon, much to the chagrin of local residents and ranchers. As tensions escalate, so does the growing cult, leaving the surrounding community cornered both physically and bureaucratically until their jaw-dropping last resort. The universally acclaimed docuseries is wildly devourable and goes one step further by calling the audience’s own values into question, testing the separation between church and state by turning the entire ideal on its head. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Wild Wild Country*: Netflix

**Directors:** Maxclain Way, Chapman Way

Wormwood (2017)

Peter Sarsgaard as Frank Olson in 'Wormwood'

Peter Sarsgaard as Frank Olson in ‘Wormwood’. Netflix

This creative docudrama examines the life and aftermath following the mysterious death of Frank Olson, a biological warfare scientist who worked for the CIA. Frank’s son walks viewers through the strange events that led to his father’s demise in 1953, including how the government’s story about it evolved over time. And once sources start talking about Project MKUltra, viewers are in for quite the trip. —*M.S.*

Where to watch *Wormwood*: Netflix

**Director:** Errol Morris

- Documentary True Crime Shows

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Documentary"

Source: Documentary

Published: August 22, 2026 at 06:38PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

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August 22, 2026

The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix

Crime rates rise during warmer weather, but they stay elevated on this streamer all year round. The 32 best true crime documentaries...

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The 32 best true crime documentaries on Netflix

Amanda Knox (2016)

American Godfathers: The Five Families (2024)

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Amy Bradley Is Missing (2025)

Athlete A (2020)

Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019)

The Crash (2026)

Dirty Money (2018–2020)

Don’t F--- With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)

Escaping Twin Flames (2023)

Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist (2018)

Icarus (2017)

Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020)

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (2026)

Long Shot (2017)

Making a Murderer (2015–2018)

Maternal Instinct (2026)

Our Father (2022)

The Perfect Neighbor (2025)

The Predator of Seville (2026)

ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019)

Sean Combs: The Reckoning (2025)

The Staircase (2004–2018)

Strong Island (2017)

The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo (2020)

Tiger King (2020)

Trust Me: The False Prophet (2026)

The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson (2026)

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (2025)

Victim/Suspect (2023)

Wild Wild Country (2018)

Wormwood (2017)

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August 22, 2026

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