HBO’s Euphoria eliminated one of its central figures in the penultimate episode of season three, “Rain or Shine,” which aired May 24, 2026. Jacob Elordi’s Nate Jacobs — abducted by loan shark Naz over a reported $1 million debt — was buried alive in a coffin with a breathing tube; a rattlesnake slithered down the vent and fatally bit him before rescuers unearthed his body. Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Maddy (Alexa Demie) helped procure Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who killed Naz during a rescue attempt, only to find Nate already dead. Creator Sam Levinson told Esquire he planned Nate’s exit to deliver “justice or karma” while making it “horrific and anxiety-inducing.” Production used live rattlesnakes for exterior shots, though Elordi said the snake inside the coffin was a boa constrictor fitted with a fake rattle; he described filming the sequence as “bittersweet” and called the on-screen death “a cool way to go.” Elordi is not credited in the upcoming season finale, which is set to air May 31. The episode’s shock staging and moral framing have produced intense audience reaction and critical debate.

A surprise hour-long appearance by Stephen Colbert on Monroe, Michigan public-access show Only in Monroe — staged the day after his final Late Show broadcast — went viral and briefly triggered copyright takedown notices from CBS/parent Paramount. The episode, which featured guests including Jack White, Jeff Daniels, Steve Buscemi and a filmed cameo from Eminem, was financed and produced by CBS Studios and posted to Colbert’s new YouTube channel in collaboration with Monroe Community Media and The Late Show’s channel. Several other YouTube uploads had already attracted large audiences, prompting CBS to issue routine copyright notices to unauthorized reuploads. After widespread online backlash and reporting, CBS said it would “waive further enforcement” of takedowns for the episode pending review. The program concluded with the hosts dismantling and burning the makeshift set — a stunt reportedly cleared by Eminem — and drew attention amid continuing debate over Colbert’s July 2025 Late Show cancellation and broader questions about corporate control of content and platform distribution.

Queen Latifah returned to the American Music Awards on May 25, 2026, solo-hosting the ceremony at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas more than three decades after co-hosting the show in 1995. The 56-year-old music and film star said she was “nervous” but excited and pledged to bring warmth and energy to performers and fans. Latifah attended the show with partner Eboni Nichols and their six-year-old son Rebel. The program featured a wide-ranging lineup — including The Pussycat Dolls with Busta Rhymes, Billy Idol, Keith Urban, Karol G, Sombr, Teddy Swims and others — while Taylor Swift led nominations with eight. Broadcasters Dick Clark Productions and CBS streamed the AMAs live on Paramount+; Latifah noted she may release new music in 2026 and has other high-profile projects, including a forthcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Early Influence induction and a role as a coach on The Voice.

A UK anti-ageism analysis published this week found that the 100 highest-grossing films in the UK between 2023 and 2025 were more likely to feature a lead actor called “Chris” or a talking animal than a female lead aged over 60. Researchers working with the Centre for Ageing Better’s Age Without Limits campaign and the University of West London reviewed box-office charts and found six top films led by a man named Chris (half of those featuring Chris Pratt) compared with five that starred a woman over 60. The study also found talking animals were four times as likely as older women to headline a top-grossing movie. Named examples of older-woman-led films in the top 100 include Allelujah, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, Book Club: The Next Chapter, The Substance and Freakier Friday; Chris-led titles included the Super Mario Bros and Guardians franchises, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Transformers One. A separate public poll of 4,000 people showed one in three believe there are too few films led by women over 60, with higher concern among women.

Darius Rucker was presented with the Veterans Voice Award by USAA’s Honor Through Action at the 52nd American Music Awards on May 25, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The award recognises artists who use their platforms to create meaningful change in the lives of service members and their families. Rucker, 60, was cited for long-term support of military organizations including the Military Warriors Support Foundation — with which he helped provide more than 20 mortgage‑free homes — his performances on multiple overseas USO tours and appearances at events such as the DoD Warrior Games. The AMAs, hosted by Queen Latifah and broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, included a Hootie & the Blowfish reunion performance of “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” USAA’s Honor Through Action initiative is a five‑year, $500 million commitment to veterans’ careers, financial security and well‑being. The award has quickly become a fixture at the AMAs — last year’s inaugural Veterans Voice honor went to Zac Brown — highlighting collaboration between entertainment platforms and veteran support programs.