32 Celebrity Downfalls That People Actually Feel Bad For

For acelebrity, their image is vital. If a famous person's reputation is tarnished, they're less likely to get work or be popular. At least that's what we'd think. Surprisingly, people don't really care about celebrity scandals. 50% of Americansremainindifferent to celebrity controversies; in fact, 20% would consume more of their work despite the controversy.

However, while some scandals are earned and are a result of a celebrity miscalculating their star power, others are totally undeserved. For example, we reflect differently onBritney Spears'so-called meltdown in 2007. What back then looked like entertainment today seems like gross exploitation of a young woman during a vulnerable time.

People nowadays have more perspective and compassion for famous people. So, when one netizenasked, "What celebrity downfall did you actually feel bad for?" people named many celebs whose careers got derailed for no justifiable reason.

Sinead O'Connor complained about the Catholic Church. Was boycotted by almost everyone. Ten years later the scandals she highlighted were headlines. Was still treated as a troublesome personality.

Anna Nicole Smith- always my answerShe was used and turned into a walking joke. She saw her son pass away and then she did to. Her life and how she was treated always make me sad to think about.

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I'm not sure if this counts, but Tina Turner's issues being used as a joke to the point where she moved to Europe always broke my heart.

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Princess Diana. The relentless press harassment and defamatory stories made her life a misery. She was then viirtually Deified by them post-mortem.Sadly it took until 2011 and the Leveson Enquiry before the Press were finally held to account.

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Winona Ryder but I'm glad that she's had a comeback.

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This is from Old Hollywood. I've always felt that Fatty Arbuckle got a raw deal. There was no physical evidence, he was acquitted, and still lost his career Mind you, he was the 1st Hollywood star to sign a million dollar deal. The system that promoted him spat him back out when the waters looked a bit murky.

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The hysteria of the arrest of George Michael from the bathroom incident in which he was arrested for a lewd act in '98 was awful. At a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the US, George Michael's career and personal life saw a significant decline and led to a bunch of arrests.As someone also queer, it pained me to see him forced to come out publicly. He later described how deeply painful this was for him (because of course it was).The media was just vicious, particularly in the UK. And there was a feeling with some fans of a sort of betrayal since their heartthrob was not straight.(He turned it around, maybe not entirely, but he is a queer icon forever but it was clearly just so much hell for him.)

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Elizabeth Berkley. She did everything asked of her. Directors, writers and producers - more often than not - require actresses to appear unclothed. And the public criticized only her. Yes - it is tacky, vulgar and tasteless to cash in on female body to sell tickets - but nobody is held responsible except the actress.

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I feel like what happened to Al Franken was taken a little too far.

Ellie Kemper getting backlash for participating in that weird antebellum daddy/daughter dance. It was obviously something she just did as a teenager to please her parents and her apology confirmed that for me.

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Garrison Keillor. He didn't do *all that.* The biggest grievance towards him was that he accidentally touched a woman's bare back when he was trying to comfort her when she was crying. Yeah, it was probably weird, for both of them, and keeping his hands to himself probably would have been a better move. He's a tactile and extremely socially awkward, lumbering sort of fella. He was touching my jacket when I met him and I'm a dude. I'm not saying I love it, but Joe Biden has the same mannerisms and tendencies and he was our last president. All in all, Keillor meant a lot to a lot of people over the years (and still does) and it was unbecoming of all parties to completely crucify him the way they did.

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Honestly, I can't help but feel a little bad for Rachel Zegler. She did and said some dumb things that she probably shouldn't have, but the internet destroyed her. Even I, who has absolutely doesn't care about the remake of snow white, got a little sucked into the propaganda. The same mob that cries about "cancel culture" is quick to ruin somebody's career over things that has nothing to do with them.

Philip Seymour Hoffman.He was an incredible character actor who really seemed like one of the few people in Hollywood who had their life together. He was in his late 40s and wasn't close to his peak.And then he gave up years of sobriety at a wrap party for The Master and had a *single* drink. It kicked off a spiral that eventually destroyed him.

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Lindsay LohanShe had some serious issues as a result of her upbringing (she's since made peace and understanding with her family) but the media made it out like she was this terrible human being. Like in 2007 it was between her and Britney who the tabloids were going to attack next.She's since gotten clean, sober, dealt with her legal issues and got an understanding of her past (which is what you do) and has been acting again with a Freaky Friday sequel due if it's not out already. She's going to be 40 next year (I'm around her age and it doesn't bother me) and honestly it's glad she got it together before that milestone of an age.

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Aziz Ansari. Seemed like the dude got cancelled over being awkward/bad with women and having an awful date during the peak of MeToo and everyone acted like he was a predator.

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Paris Hilton - Parents who sent her away to various "troubled teen" camps, profited off her social influence, and than turned to say "what did we do wrong"

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Macaulay CulkinBut I am delighted to see how well he is doing now.

Lara Flynn Boyle.AFAIK she was never cancelled. But it feels like for a period of time she was one of the most beautiful and famous actresses... and then one day she stopped working and started showing up in tabloids looking physically very different. I don't know what happened, if she had an illness or substance issue what.

The way Wil Wheaton was treated because of his character on Star Trek and what his parents were doing with his money. I don't want to know what would have happened to his parents had Jonathan Frakes had found out about it when there was no grey in his beard, that was a man who was barely controlling himself when he was asked about the story of Wil Wheaton and his parents.

Monica Lewinsky. She was so, so young and Clinton used her. The girl was confiding in a woman who was *pretending* to be her friend to learn more so she could spill her guts to the world AND the whole world shamed Monica. The whole world laughed at Monica. She was 22.As a young girl watching that happen to her made me mad in ways I wouldn't learn how to voice until college. Bill Clinton and to a lesser extent Linda Tripp are literally walking garbage and I take comfort in the absolute confidence they are burning in hell at some point.

Gary Busey. His future looked bright after the Buddy Holly movie until the motorcycle accident.

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Lil mama. Yes, going on stage with Jay Z was too much but not enough to cancel her.

Bam Margera. His downfall is 100% self inflicted, but it was still sad to see mental illness take its toll. So glad to see that he seems to be doing better now.

Bruce Willis from a good actor to a bunch of bad movies and then Alzheimer's.

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Here's one that UK redditors may know, Lena Zavaroni. She was a Scottish child singer in the 1970s with one of the most amazing voices ever. She was discovered singing with her family in a pub I think when she was about 10, and was snapped up by a London manager who booked her in a ton of shows. The manager said she was fat and by 13 she ended up with anorexia. She also developed horrible, debilitating depression. Because of her health issues she was essentially done as a performer by her early 20s. Because her money was mismanaged and some other reasons she was basically destitute. When she was 35 she had a 'medical procedure' to help with her depression. The rumor has always been that she was so desperate to curb the depression that she had a lobotomy. While she was in the hospital she contracted pneumonia and it was fatal. Her manager used her, drove her to anorexia and never admitted any responsibility in the situation. It's a really sad story.

I have yet to see it.Rosie O'Donnell. She spoke up against Trump back in the 90's/00's. There was time where people loved Trump and would laugh and agree when he made fun of Rosie.She spoke out against the US forces and their involvement with innocent civilians in the Middle East.Ok maybe you don't like her comedy or you find her loud and annoying. But she didn't deserve the public ridicule and hatred she deserved. .

Corey Haim. I grew up watching his movies and thought he was very talented. Hearing about everything he went through really broke my heart.

Milli Vanilli.Simluvac:I watched that bio movie about them 'Girl You Know It's True' I think 2 or 3 months ago and it was really good. I was about 10 when the lip synching was fully exposed and I fondly remember the scrutiny and backlash they got but because I was so young I never knew the logistics of the situation and didn't really know about Fab and Rob's lives. I knew they were the butts of many jokes ever since. The movie was really good and it didn't portray them as the absolute villains the public made them out to be. I felt really bad for them. If anyone is interested in checking it out it's currently streaming on Tubi. Again, it's a great watch.

Jenna marbles. She didn't deserve being cancelled. She was the realest of them all.

Ashlee Simpson. She could actually sing it's just that a backing vocal was used on SNL.

Amy Winehouse. So much talent. She fell into the wrong crowd - had horrible parents who were enablers - we all watched her slowly die and nobody did anything to help her get better. The Press we're awful ghouls too.

This is gonna sound weird, but I only feel bad for certain aspects of his downfall:Kanye West is a mentally ill person who, once the person who seemed to be his only genuine support in his life was gone, began a downward spiral in which everyone around him swooped in and are slowly eating him alive. Like I totally get and agree with the criticism he gets, but at the same time he's very obviously just mentally a walking corpse at this point. We're watching what happens when someone is so ridiculously rich that they can just perpetually live in psychosis.

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byManuel Mongo

in

January 31, 2026

32 Celebrity Downfalls That People Actually Feel Bad For

For acelebrity, their image is vital. If a famous person's reputation is tarnished, they're less likely to get wo...

Read More

Alexander Skarsgård Reveals Why He Was ‘Intimidated’ to Play a ‘Good-Hearted’ Character in the New Movie “Wicker”

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Alexander Skarsgård says he was "intimidated" to play a "good-hearted" character in his new movie, Wicker

• The actor plays a man weaved from wicker in the fantasy romance, which also stars Olivia Colman and Elizabeth Debicki

• Skarsgård spoke about his experience during a Q&A following the film's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 24

Alexander Skarsgårdwas "intimidated" by his role in theWicker.

Skarsgård shared his thoughts on the romantic fantasy film — which also starsOlivia Colman,Elizabeth DebickiandPeter Dinklage— during a Q&A following theWicker's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on Jan. 24.

"I was quite intimidated when I read [the script] because I tend to be drawn toward more conflicted characters with more internal turmoil and darkness," Skarsgård, 49, explained. "And to play this good-hearted, good-natured, sweet, morally righteous character was scary to me."

He continued, "I'm not really comfortable doing that. I don't have anything to tap into when it comes to that. So it was a stretch as an actor."

Skarsgård is widely recognized for tackling dark and complex characters with nuance and authenticity, like the conflicted, abusive husband in HBO'sBig Little Liesand the power-hungry tech mogul inSuccession.

Hbo/Kobal/Shutterstock

The upcomingWicker,however, reveals a more whimsical side of the actor.

Wicker, set in a medieval-inspired village with magical elements, tells the story of a lonely woman (Colman) who asks the local basket weaver (Dinklage) to weave her a husband (Skarsgård).

Skarsgård says he was immediately drawn to the project.

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"I thought it was an incredible script and I thought it was —  it is a fable — but it's also an allegory. It's a story about our society, but without being heavy handed or didactic or preachy," he said.

He added, "It was so funny and sweet, and obviously a very interesting character to play."

TheMurderbotstar went on to admit that he sometimes felt "ridiculous" on set due to the wicker prosthetics which masked most of his face, noting that it meant he had to exaggerate "everything" about his performance during filming.

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"And that kind of contradictsyour instinct as an actor… but it was just about trusting [the creatives] ... and when they came up [and were like] … 'Can you just give us a bit more eyebrow action?' I'm like, okay," he said.

"It was definitely a new, different experience for me," he added.

Read the original article onPeople

byManuel Mongo

in

January 31, 2026

Alexander Skarsgård Reveals Why He Was ‘Intimidated’ to Play a ‘Good-Hearted’ Character in the New Movie “Wicker”

Dia Dipasupil/Getty NEED TO KNOW Alexander Skarsgård says he was "intimidated" to play a "good...

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Want to watch the Grammys red carpet? How to see the stars arrive.

The most highly anticipated night in the music industry is around the corner.

Celebrities are expected to bring the glitz and the glam at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena.

Major and rising stars will have fashion lovers in a frenzy as they hit the red carpet prior to the ceremony.

Here's how to catch the 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet.

As we head into the 68th annual Grammy Awards, take a look at the artists who have earned the most Grammys in history. Beyoncé has won 35 Grammys throughout her famed career, making her the most Grammy-awarded artist of all time.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Producer and songwriter Quincy Jones has won 28 Grammy Awards.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Alison Krauss of Alison Krauss & Union Station has taken home 27 Grammys. She is the second-most awarded female artist by the Grammy Awards, following Beyoncé.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez has a total of 26 Grammys earned.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Meet the artists who have taken home the most Grammys in history

As we head into the 68th annual Grammy Awards, take a look at the artists who have earned the most Grammys in history. Beyoncé has won 35 Grammys throughout her famed career, making her the most Grammy-awarded artist of all time.

How to stream the Grammys red carpet

Fans can watch the "GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet" on live.GRAMMY.com at 6 p.m. ET, according to anews release.

The pre-show special will also be available on the Recording Academy's social media platforms, includingYouTube,Facebook, andTikTok.

E! is alsohosting its own programs. The network's "Countdown to the Grammys" starts at 4 p.m. ET. Then, "Live from E! Grammys" begins at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

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The Associated Press is also streaming a red carpet special onYouTubeand APNews.com,the outlet reported.

Grammys 2026:Our bold predictions: Who will win vs. who should win

Where to watch the Grammys

The awards ceremony will air live on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+ from 8-11:30 p.m. ET/ 5-8:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Paramount+ subscribers with the SHOWTIME add-on can also stream the 2026 Grammys live as it airs on CBS, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers may stream it the day after it airs.

Contributing: Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Grammys 2026 red carpet: Time, livestream, how to watch

byManuel Mongo

in

January 31, 2026

Want to watch the Grammys red carpet? How to see the stars arrive.

The most highly anticipated night in the music industry is around the corner. Celebrities are expected to bring...

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“Bridgerton” Season 4 Part 1 Ending Explained: Has Benedict Discovered the True Identity of the Lady in Silver?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

NEED TO KNOW

• Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premiered on Netflix on Jan. 29

• This season focuses on the unexpected romance between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek

• The fourth episode ended on a cliffhanger that signaled chaos to come when part 2 premieres on Feb. 26

If there's one thingBridgertonhas done over the course of its four seasons, it's master the art of a cliffhanger.

The beloved Netflix series — which is based on authorJulia Quinn's best-selling novels — made its highly-anticipated return on Jan. 29 with the premiere of season 4. Much likeseason 3, the new episodes are being released in two parts, meaning while viewers were introduced to the unexpected romance between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), there's still a lot more to come before the pair get any kind of happy ending.

Ahead of the release, showrunnerJess Brownellspoke toTudumabout the "natural structure" of releasing eight episodes in two parts, saying that the fourth episode always "ends on a big world-shifting midpoint."

This season was no different, as Benedict and Sophie's romance reached a rather shocking turning point in the final moments of episode 4, hinting at chaos to come when part 2 arrives in late February.

Here's everything to know about theBridgertonseason 4 part 1 ending, from Benedict and Sophie's romance to where the drama among his family members stands.

Warning:Bridgertonseason 4 part 1 spoilers ahead!

How doesBridgertonseason 4 part 1 end?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Episode 4 kicks off with Benedict and Sophie returning to Mayfair following their detour to My Cottage. As Benedict promised, he secures a job for Sophie (and her friend Hazel, played by Gracie McGonigal) — but much to her surprise, it is at the Bridgerton home.

While at first she is reluctant, Sophie quickly becomes fond of her new job; she bonds with Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie), gets along with the fellow staffers and even shares a meaningful conversation with Violet, who later offers her a permanent job.

But, Sophie is initially hesitant to accept, as she knows her growing tension with Benedict might stand in the way of the new opportunity, which she notes is the "very best position" she has ever had.

After an awkward encounter with Benedict while he is meeting with a potential wife, Miss Hollis, Sophie tells him she cannot stay in the position if he is still living there. In an effort to make her more comfortable in the home and not risk jeopardizing her new role, he agrees to spend more time in his "bachelor lodgings," promising to return to the Bridgerton home as little as possible.

Just before they part ways, Sophie tells him he should pursue Miss Hollis, whom she described to him as a "perfect fantasy."

In the end, Sophie heads out for a night at the tavern with the other staff members, but returns inside when she realizes she forgets her wallet. At the same time, Benedict has returned home in a rush, determined to see her.

A stairwell run-in quickly leads to a steamy kiss, followed by Benedict telling her that not only does she "consume" him, but his eyes search for her in every room he enters, his heart beats when she is near and he cannot live without her. But just as she seems to be processing his romantic declarations, he hits her with a shocking proposition: "Sophie, be my mistress."

Now stunned, Sophie exits the stairwell without responding to his pitch.

Has Benedict found his Lady in Silver?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Throughout season 4 part 1, Benedict has tried time and time again to find the mysterious Lady in Silver from the night of the masquerade. But despite the help he receives from others in the ton — including Eloise, his mom Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) — he has yet to discover that she's been right under his nose this entire time.

As viewers know, Sophie has been hiding the fact that she was at the masquerade that night, and that it was she who shared a kiss with Benedict outside the ballroom. Meanwhile, Benedict's many failed efforts have led him to nearly end his pursuit, as he is not certain she exists.

By the end of part 1, Benedict's request for Sophie to be his mistress — and the confusion in his face as she exits with no response — confirms that he still has no idea she is the lady in the silver he has been searching for all along.

Where do Francesca and John stand?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

While Benedict's romance is front and center this season, he isn't the only Bridgerton sibling having troubles in their love life, as his younger sister Francesca (Hannah Dodd) has been navigating marital problems with her husband, Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli).

Specifically, after learning of what a pinnacle in the bedroom is (an orgasm), she tries to experiment sexually with John. However, amid her attempts, he realizes she has been pretending to experience pleasure in bed and they have a rather candid conversation about their relationship.

By the end of season 4, the pair have finally welcomed their family over for their first dinner party, which is interrupted by the arrival of a surprise guest: John's cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza).

Her unexpected return clearly catches Francesca off guard. In fact, Michaela tells Francesca that she looks as though she's "seen a ghost."

Do Violet and Lord Anderson get together?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

While Violet has put much of her focus on her kids' love stories, she's also been on a journey to re-discover her own happiness after her late husband's death years earlier.

In episode 4, she expresses to Mrs. Wilson that she'd like to "have tea" with Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), specifically in the "evening" and "alone." Mrs. Wilson helps orchestrate their hook-up by ensuring she will have privacy, staging a night for the family to be away at Francesca's dinner party (while Violet fakes an illness!) and tells the employees to take the night off.

To her wishes, Lord Anderson comes over and, although he insists they can take it slow, she frantically tells him to take off his clothes. As they lie in bed next to each other after having sex, Violet tells him she is "happy" — hinting at a second chance at love for both of them.

Who moved next door to theBridgertons?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Throughout episode 4, the Bridgerton employees make their predictions as to who has moved in next door to the family.

In the final scene, viewers learn that it is Sophie's stepmom and stepsisters, the Penwoods — Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and Posy Li (Isabella Wei) — who have moved in next door, though the rest of the characters do not know yet.

In another twist, Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) — the Featheringtons' longtime housemaid — has begun working for them.

When doesBridgertonseason 4 part 2 come out?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Bridgertonseason 4, part 2 premieres on Feb. 26. The final four episodes will mark the end of the eight-episode season.

Read the original article onPeople

byManuel Mongo

in

January 31, 2026

“Bridgerton” Season 4 Part 1 Ending Explained: Has Benedict Discovered the True Identity of the Lady in Silver?

Liam Daniel/Netflix NEED TO KNOW Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premiered on Netflix on Jan. 29 This season focuses on the unexpected romanc...

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'Tell Me Lies' and why Gen Z is obsessed with sexy TV

In Los Angeles, bars arehostingwatch parties for the highly-anticipated weekly releases of "Tell Me Lies." And in New York City, more than 2,000 people have RSVPed for an upcoming"Heated Rivalry"look-alike contest.

Both shows have captivated young viewers enough to create a cultural moment rarely seen outside of sports in today's couch potato, streaming-friendly TV era: They're getting people out of the house to gather with other fans.

These shows are also hot, filled with sex-scenes, body parts and lots of forbidden and fiery romantic interactions.

And yet, research shows that Gen Z — the cohort born between 1997 and 2012 — ishaving less sexthan prior generations.

For young viewers who aren't engaging in sexual activities themselves but are seeking out emotional validation and connection, these stories may help fill a gap, explains Virginia Gramarosso, a 25-year-old Chicagoland health educator who works with middle schoolers, high schoolers and young adults.

Gramarosso says just because studies show Gen Z is having less sex doesn't mean they're not interested in and curious about sex.

"I think they still have desires related to sex... Consuming that media might almost fill that void," Gramarosso says.

Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever.

Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama.

To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> From left: Actresses Sonia Mena, Grace Van Patten, Alicia Crowder and Catherine Missal attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Grace Van Patten plays Lucy in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jackson White plays Stephen in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Spencer House plays Wrigley in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Catherine Missal plays Bree in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sonia Mena plays Pippa in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Alicia Crowder plays Diana in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Branden Cook plays Evan in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Iris Apatow, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Spencer House, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Tom Ellis, Natalee Linez, Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Iris Apatow plays Amanda in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tom Ellis plays Oliver in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Katherine Hughes plays Molly in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Natalee Linez plays Lydia in "Tell Me Lies."

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Spencer House and Sonia Mena

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Actor Tom Ellis and wife, "Tell Me Lies" creator and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> From left: Spencer House, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Meaghan Oppenheimer, Grace Van Patten and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Meaghan Oppenheimer and Alicia Crowder attend SiriusXM Studios' "The Morning Mash Up" on Jan. 13, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Spencer House and Sonia Mena

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sonia Mena

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Branden Cook

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Alicia Crowder

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jackson White and Grace Van Patten

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jackson White and Grace Van Patten

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Alicia Crowder, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Branden Cook and Meaghan Oppenheimer of "Tell Me Lies."

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'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere

Hulu's"Tell Me Lies"is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever.Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama.To celebrate the new season, thecast of "Tell Me Lies,"including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.

Why Gen Z is having less sex

Research shows a general decline in teens and young adults engaging in sexual activity. In 2023, 32% of teens said they had sex, compared with 47% of teens in 2013, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.This trend extends to older Gen Zers, too — about 24% of adults aged 18 to 29 had no sex in the past year, doubling since 2010, according to a study from theInstitute for Family Studies (IFS).

Emily Morehead, a Texas-based licensed professional counselor with expertise in sex and relationships, praised "smutty" entertainment for the way it can serve as a conversation-starter for young people.

When formal sex education is lacking or inconsistent, especially about LGBTQ+ sexual health, she says young people use what's around them – television, books, social media — to fill in the gap.

"I think Gen Z is craving information, and if the only media that they're getting representation with is social media or porn, they're not learning about real-life sex and real-life relationships that are safe and consensual and pleasurable," Morehead says.

Gramarosso adds that for some viewers, watching sex on TV can offer a sense of control that real-life dating doesn't amid ghosting, constant swiping on apps and social pressures.

"I think that the media can tie into that because they have an outlet for still engaging and almost expressing and connecting to their sexual wants and needs and questions without actually having to go out and talk to people and date people," Gramarosso says.

Gen Z's sex lives and dating style reflect a deeper trend of risk aversion — young people are alsodrinking less. While those things can be positive, they're also indicators that some Gen Zers may be socially isolated. Much of Gen Z missed out on pivotal years in the classroom or office during the pandemic, impacting their ability to socialize.

This follows a general trend of people reportingless desire to get married and have familiesat a young age.

More:No longer guilty: How romance books have changed readers attitudes toward sex in real life

When 'sexy entertainment' becomes mainstream

Morehead says that sexy entertainment has become more popular as Hollywood and the publishing industry have modernized how we speak about female pleasure. Both "Heated Rivalry" and "Tell Me Lies" are based on book series.

Claire Mazur, one of the founders of romance entertainment company831 Stories, previously told USA TODAY that spicy romance is now a "mainstream form of sex content" that's a direct "counterpoint to porn culture."

People may also be watching these shows as much for the intimacy as they are for the sex. For many viewers, the plot lines feel human, flawed and real.

With "Tell Me Lies," for example, a lot of viewers relate to the sentiment of knowing a person isn't good for you but struggling to walk away.

Where "Heated Rivalry" succeeds, Morehead notes, is in depicting sex and love in a way that shows communication and consent.

Experts say it's just important to remind young people that while it's great to enjoy types of media, they cannot replace genuine social and emotional connection.

"Watching relationships and watching these things play out cannot be in place of experiencing and living and creating relationships themselves," Gramarosso says.

Contributing: Clare Mulroy, Pamela Avila, Kelly Lawler

Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@usatoday.com and@rachelleighhaleon X.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'Tell Me Lies,' 'Heated Rivalry' and Gen Z's smut TV obsession

byManuel Mongo

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January 31, 2026

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