8 Things to Do + Listen to While You Wait for a New Serial Episode

When you hear your coworkers around the watercooler/kombucha scoby/beer tap dishing about their latest pop culture obsession, you would assume they’re talking Scandal, Hunger Games, maybe the latest book club page turner. But a podcast? Yeah, probably not — at least until Serial happened and brought us all to the edge of our shared social media seat. Over the last few weeks, the story of the 15-year-old murder of Hae Min Lee, and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed as told by NPR’s Sara Koenig has captivated the web, leaving heated debates, spinoffs and miles long reddit chains in its wake. This Thursday, it’s leaving us high and dry (even if we’re tofurkey-full and a little tipsy from cranberry cocktails) without a new episode. We get it, Koenig, we should be talking to our family about more than our theories on Don’s involvement. But if you, like us, just need your Serial fix, fill up your bowl with one of these subs ‘til 12/4.

1. Binge-Listen to the Podcasts About the Podcast: First of all, I thought I invented the term “binge-listen” and then I Googled it and that is not the case. Moving on! Like the turducken of the podcast world, there are spoiler-ridden, juicy debriefs of the podcast stuffed inside podcasts stuffed inside ye olde podcast store.

Anticipating a week without Sarah’s soothing voice (not to mention *that* theme music), I checked out Serial Serial this weekend, where Onion Inc. staffers gab about the episodes. With only two under their belt and a slight lack of focus (IDK maybe you guys could take better notes or call me in or something?), this one might only whet your appetite but it will make you “oh, riiiiight” and “huh, hadn’t thought of that” at least a little.

Slate’s Serial Spoiler Specials is a more in depth discussion of the podcast with multiple expert guests for each episode making it a pretty solid sub, especially this week where they released TWO episodes in exchange for no new Serial. Maybe the podcasts about the podcasts are more like the generic turducken, not AS good as the real thing, but damn you’re HUNGRY so you’ll make it work.

2. Charticles. Charticles. Charticles: Charticles are often/always the answer. Especially if the question is, “Hey, how can I kill five minutes of my workday that doesn’t involve Facebook?” Michelle Rial creates RT-worthy charts to visualize the fun “facts” that come up on This American Life and shares them on the must-follow Twitter @ThisAmericanChart. She took a break from 24/7 Ira Watch to make (pretty hilarious) charts for people obsessed with Serial (guilty, clearly) on The Bold Italic.

3. Binge-Listen to a Serial Parody: This YouTuber DIYed his own version of Serial and it’s genius.

4. Watch Old Archival News Reports of the Case: Disclaimer: It is careless and crass to treat a real life murder of a young woman like a salacious whodunnit piece of fiction, but for the Serial completists (and the former J majors out there who appreciate diving into the archives for added context to a modern day story), Baltimore’s ABC affiliate posted old video from the 1999 investigation.

5. Google “Ethics of Serial.” Discuss: Besides podcasts dissecting each episode, and sites and articles devoted to the weeks-young cult following, there’s another debate that casts a much more critical eye to the podcast and our obsession with it. As the good investigative journalists we’re all now aspiring to be, contemplate a few of these articles instead of trying to find Jay on Facebook.

6. Pick Up Another Podcast: It might feel like it’s cheating, but we promise we won’t tell Sarah Koenig. We rounded up 11 storytelling podcasts here that should definitely keep your ears occupied ’til next week. If you need something to satiate the budding crime reporter in you, Criminal is a podcast sharing “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” If justice is more your thing, give Slate’s Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick a play.

7. Go Down the reddit Rabbithole: Beware, clicking on this link is essentially throwing out your productivity for the day and coming across some “spoilers” or stories (um, again, remember, this is real life, people) you might not be ready for if you would rather follow Sarah Koenig’s journey.

8. Spend the Next Week Crafting the Best Tweet About MailChimp: (That hasn’t yet been Tweeted.)

Anything we missed? Are you Serial-obsessed? Share your thoughts, theories and feelings with us below!

Fans who were left on the edge of their seats after watching the first part of AHS: Delicate last year won't have to wait longer for part two! Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian are gearing up to pick up where their characters left off, and sinister twists are about to get much darker. While we know the focus revolves around their interactions, we can't wait to see how Gilmore Girls star Matt Czuchry fits into what's sure to be a big reveal.

Read on for a mini recap of part one of AHS: Delicateand learn all the juicy details about part two!

Recap of Kim Kardashian's involvement in AHS: Delicate

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Kim Kardashian as 'Siobhan' in "American Horror Story: Delicate"

As good as Kim Kardashian is as the icy publicist Siobhan on AHS: Delicate, don't expect her to watch herself onscreen. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday and explained why she hasn't seen herself in clips of the show when Jimmy Kimmel played and unsettling one.

Her character can be seen intimidating a fertility doctor to do her bidding as she pierces the top of his neck with a long orange fingernail. She smiled before saying "It's so funny, I can't watch it back," and then added, "I get so nervous."

She even talked about the difference between filming for TV and working as an actual actress. She said, "I called my sisters and I go, 'Guys. You — not to say you'd ever want to get into acting — but you are so lucky you can wake up and just, we can sit in bed and film, and you don't have to get up...like there is no schedule."

However, it seems like the budding actress took her new schedule in stride because Star Trek actor and AHS co-star Zachary Quinto applauded Kardashian’s acting chops.

“I did a cameo on this season of ‘American Horror Story’ and I got to meet her,” the actor told People. “She was so lovely and warm and, really, I don’t think she needs my advice.” Quinto added, sharing that Kardashian, was “really in her element” on set and he was “really impressed by her spirit and her openness…I really look forward to seeing this season because I think she’s gonna do a wonderful job.”

Recap of AHS: Delicate Part 1

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The first part of AHS: Delicate premiered on FX September 20, 2023 and centered around actress Anna Victoria Alcott's desire to become a mother. Played by Emma Roberts, viewers watched as her husband Dexter Harding (played by Matt Czuchry) was supportive of her IVF procedure so the couple could conceive their first child. Despite the previous struggles, the procedure is a success and the happy couple learn they have a baby on the way.

However, things go horribly wrong when Anna starts being followed and eventually experiences a violent miscarriage during her first trimester. Somehow the baby actually survives, but Anna still experiences a series of strange hallucinations and events. From losing her hair to vomiting a foreign object, she starts to wonder if something is wrong with her baby. There's also the fact that she told her publicist Siobhan (played by Kim Kardashian) that she'd do anything to remain at the top of the her career.

What's revealed is that a baby cult does exist and Dexter's dead first wife knew all about it. However, the cult still looks at him as a threat so it's only a matter of time before they close in.

If you need a refresher, catch up on the first part of AHS: Delicate on Hulu and be sure to check out the eery trailer for a look at part two! Also, get your hands on a copy of Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition to see how the story truly unfolds.

Watch The Official Trailer For AHS: Delicate Part 2

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American Horror Story: Delicate Part Two | Official Trailer - Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian | FX

We suspected Siobhan may have a darker role than Anna thinks and the trailer confirms it. As Anna gets further along in her pregnancy, it's hinted that her growing baby may not be 'normal' and there's nothing she'll be able to do about it.

We're crossing our fingers for Anna and Dexter, but the baby cult may have the final say in AHS: Delicate Part 2.

The first portion of AHS: Delicate Part 2 premiered on FX April 3, 2024, but the series will come to a close beginning April 24. All we can say is things are about to get extremely bumpy 👀.

What do you think will happen during the final moments of AHS: Delicate Part 2? Let us know in the comments!

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Did you really grow up in the 90s and 00s if you didn't binge watch all of Dakota Fanning's movies? After a childhood in the spotlight, Dakota moved from Uptown Girls and Reese Witherspoon's Sweet Home Alabama to projects like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ripley. And her newest summer movieThe Watchers is one of the wildest yet. The new trailer dropped April 22, and I love the immediate emphasis on eyes (and the idea of watching someone, naturally), and I can already tell Dakota's Mina will be a rebellious heroine I can't wait to watch. Here's everything you need to know about the new movie!

Where can I watch The Watchers?

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The Watchers hits theaters June 14, 2024. Even though the story takes place in chilly Ireland (and the costumes feature a lot of chunky knits), the lighting and color palette still feel summery. Plus there's something about the edge of horror movies that feels just right for summer.

Who's in The Watchers cast?

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Dakota Fanning stars in The Watchers as Mina alongside Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere. Throughout the trailer, we can hear the titular Watchers (especially when they applaud Mina's arrival. Creepy!!) but we don't know who will be playing them — or if they're even human.

Is The Watchers a horror movie?

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Yes, The Watchers is definitely a horror movie! It's officially described as a supernatural horror movie, and it looks like it'll be a blend of the contemporary horror we know and love, with additional fantasy elements. I would love if the Watchers end up being part of Irish lore or mythology.

What is the Watchers 2024 movie about?

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The Watchers follows Mina (Dakota Fanning), an artist who gets stranded with her pet bird in a large Irish forest. Thankfully it doesn't take long for Mina to find shelter with three strangers, but her relief turns to fear when she learns they're being watched and stalked by unseen creatures every night.

The fact Mina and her new companions can hear the Watchers but can never see them feels like a contrast to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, especially since the Death Angels and Watchers sound very similar to me. I love how A Quiet Place emphasizes family and connection in the face of horror and I hope we see the same in The Watchers!

What book is the movie The Watchers based on?

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The Watchers is based on the novel by A.M. Shine. If you're into horror books, add these 20 Spine-Tingling Horror Books and The 17 Best Mystery And Thriller Books to your summer reading list!

What horror tropes do you hope to see in Dakota Fanning's The Watchers? Or what do you hope not to see? Read up on the other 33 Most-Anticipated 2024 Movies coming soon!

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When anyone asks me for my favorite movie-viewing experiences, A Simple Favor (starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick) always makes the list. When I first watched the movie, I knew next to nothing about the plot, and it made the viewing experience ten times better, especially since I had a watch party with a bunch of friends who *also* had no expectations. I know A Simple Favor 2 is going to be just as sexy, unexpected, and gripping as the original. Keep reading for everything we know about the new movie, from the A Simple Favor 2 release date to casting announcements!

What is A Simple Favor 2 about?

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A Simple Favor 2 will see the "return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

The first leaked images show the aforementioned extravagant wedding, with Blake Lively's Emily in a wedding dress and Anna Kendrick's Stephanie standing by her side in a gorgeous floral midi dress. While the first A Simple Favor ended with Emily in prison, I have no doubt whatsoever that we'll see her make a grand escape to coastal Italy. The only thing chicer than martinis and crime at home is martinis and crime while basking in the Italian sun.

Is there A Simple Favor 2 movie?

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Yes, Deadline confirmed in May of 2022 that we're getting A Simple Favor 2! The sequel film will be produced by Lionsgate and Amazon Studios, and reportedly, Paul Feig will direct again, while Jessica Sharzer will write the screenplay. I still talk about the script for A Simple Favor, so if Jessica is returning, I will be seated!

When is the A Simple Favor 2 release date?

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I'm expecting A Simple Favor 2 to hit our screens in 2025. Filming was originally scheduled for the fall of 2023, but after the Hollywood strikes delayed a variety of projects, production on the film was pushed to 2024. A Simple Favor 2 will reportedly begin filming in April of 2024.

Who's in the A Simple Favor 2 cast?

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We can expect to see Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return for this sequel. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also set to star in A Simple Favor 2. Glee fans will also love knowing that Alex Newell is joining the cast along with Allison Janey! We can't wait to see the characters they'll be playing!

How does A Simple Favor end in the book?

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The A Simple Favor book ending is *wildly* different than the movie ending! Instead of Stephanie turning on Emily and joining Sean, and then Emily getting run over by a car and put in prison for the murder of her father and sister (plus, you know, all the other illegal activity), Stephanie actually takes Emily's side.

In the book, Sean stays in a hotel while Emily gets custody of Nicky. The novel ends with the police finding Emily's ring inside the car of her main victim (a move that was probably orchestrated by Stephanie since Sean gave her the ring), and Emily deciding to pack up her life and leave.

Are you excited for A Simple Favor 2? Do you prefer the ending to the A Simple Favor movie or the book? Follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

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Outer Banks fans got a treat during 2023's Poguelandia event (which took place on February 18 in Huntington Beach, California). While celebrating the release of Outer Banks season 3, the cast took to the stage to announce that we were also getting Outer Banks season 4! As a native Outer Banks-er myself, this is one teen drama I will never be able to get enough of — so keep the seasons coming Netflix!

I'm already dreaming about my annual beach vacation, so naturally, I'm thinking about what hijinks the Pogues will get up to in Outer Banks season 4. Here's everything we know about the new TV show, including the cast, the plot, and the Outer Banks season 4 release date!

When is Outer Banks season 4 coming out?

Image via Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

We don't have an official Outer Banks season 4 release date yet, but the cast has been filming since 2023. And Netflix's co-CEO recently revealed (via The Hollywood Reporter) that, in addition to the new seasons of Squid Game and Emily in Paris, we'll see Outer Banks season 4 during the second half of the year. That means we could see our favorite Pogues this July or August! This is the perfect release window because summer is all about beachy vibes and summer adventure — just like OBX.

Who's in the Outer Banks season 4 cast?

Image via Netflix

We're expecting the main cast to return for Outer Banks season 4, including Chase Stokes as John B., Madelyn Cline as Sarah, Madison Bailey as Kiara, Jonathan Daviss as Pope, Rudy Pankow as JJ, Carlacia Grant as Cleo, Drew Starkey as Rafe, and Austin North as Topper.

Since Charles Esten's Ward ends up (spoiler!) dying at the end of season 3, he probably won't make a return — unless the show ventures into ghost territory. Honestly, I wouldn't even be surprised. But even if he's not on set, he recently reunited with Madelyn Cline and Drew Starkey!

"That thing where you’re playing your 4th Annual WARDJAMMER...and your amazing friends who also happen to be your @obx son and daughter surprise you by showing up and hanging out all night and even coming on stage to sing 'Left Hand Free,'" Charles writes on Instagram. "What an absolute joy to wrap my arms around these two! The bond is real and my heart is grateful."

The First Look At Outer Banks Season 4

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After Netflix's Tudum event showed off the Pogues' new style (and confirmed that all of them will be returning, thank goodness), we got a brand new look at some Outer Banks season 4 scenes thanks to Netflix's 2024 preview. It's a brief clip, but we hear just how excited the Pogues are to go after a treasure they've "spent [their] whole lives hearing about] (same, TBH) — and get to see them lounging around on a day off. Treasure hunting is hard work, after all!

This first look gives us an idea of what we can expect from this upcoming installment because while season 1 had the golden overtone of our favorite 2000s dramas, season 2 featured warmer orange tones, and season 3 featured a little bit less saturation, it looks like Outer Banks season 4 is youthful, bright, and colorful. And thanks to this clip, we also know for a fact we'll see Madison Bailey, Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Madelyn Cline, Chase Stokes, and Carlacia Grant come back to their iconic roles.

What is season 4 of Outer Banks about?

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Outer Banks season 3 ended with an 18-month time jump — meaning the characters will be a year and a half older in Outer Banks season 4 than in previous installments of the show, which works in the series' favor because the characters will be closer to the cast's ages. Plus, being post-grad gives them more flexibility to go treasure hunting without the repercussions of skipping school...like they did the entirety of season 2.

Thanks to some important details at the end of the season finale, we know Kie is working with turtles, JJ bought a charter boat, Pope is going to college, and John B. and Sarah are running a surf shop. But things take a turn for the adventurous when the Pogues are given a new quest to hunt for Blackbeard's treasure. The real Blackbeard loved hiding his treasure on places like Ocracoke Island, which is on the real OBX. I'm super excited for this plotline because it means we'll be back on the Outer Banks for (hopefully) the whole season!

"It’s not going to be the usual Blackbeard story," according to co-creator Josh Pate, and (spoiler!!) we actually have our first plot details. According to Wrightsville Beach recreation program supervisor Katie Ryan (via Wilmington StarNews) and the shows filming permits, we know that one scene will involve "two people jumping from the pier," while a second "involves individuals finding a body on the beach."

While Outer Banks season 4 promises to be as adventurous as ever, Chase Stokes promises People the show will also go back to its roots. “The writers talked about how there was a real want for a lot of the authenticity and the characters in season 1. So I will say that they do a good job this season of that,” he says.

After the death of Sarah and John B.'s fathers, the show's golden couple will have to figure out what their future looks like. “It really will force them to evaluate everything," he says. "Where they are, what their purpose is, what their intentions are, and what was the actual value of it? Was it worth it, in hindsight? If they could go back and change things, would they?"

"[The Pogues have had] a huge, huge shift in lifestyle in a very, very short period of time," Chase continues. “And I think when you go through that level of trauma, for sure, it'll make you start asking those deeper questions.”

Where is Outer Banks season 4 filming?

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks season 4 has been seen filming around Charleston, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina, which is where other titles like Dawson's Creek,The Summer I Turned Pretty, andOne Tree Hill have all filmed! Because OBX has never filming in Wilmington before, it makes me think the Pogues will truly go on an adventure we've never seen.

Is Outer Banks season 4 the last season?

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Netflix hasn't officially announced whether we'll be getting an Outer Banks season 5 or 6 yet, but creators Jonas and Josh Pate have enough story for another two seasons. "We’re going to fill in some gaps in the 18 months," Josh tells TUDUM. "We felt like we needed to migrate them out of school. We think about the first three [seasons] as a trilogy and then we’re starting over on [another sort of] trilogy now. We just needed to clear the decks. We’re going to have new villains, a new treasure hunt, a new life situation."

I'm excited to see what kind of roots the characters put down in Outer Banks season 4 — and how they flourish as the story continues!

Are you excited for Outer Banks season 4? Check out our interview with costume designer Emmie Holmes and The 14 Best New TV Shows Coming In 2024 before you rewatch OBX season 3 again ;).

Lead image via Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

This post has been updated.

Though Elena Ferrante is a pen name, and while the author prides herself on anonymity, her books shouldn't be a mystery to you. The Italian author's beautiful work transcends the need for a face attached, as raw emotions, complex characters, and unforgettable narratives define Ferrante's unique voice. From the intense friendship at the heart of the Neapolitan Novels to the unsettling psychological depths plumbed in The Days of Abandonment, prepare to be surprised, challenged, and utterly engrossed by the brilliance of Elena Ferrante.

Neopolitan Novels

Though Ferrante's entire body of work is worth a read, the first thing that should be on your list is the Neopolitan Novels. This is a four-book series that explores the complex female friendship between Lila and Elena. The two start off as young girls who are being raised in a poor and tough neighborhood of Naples in the aftermath of World War II. The novels chart their complex bond as the two girls grow up, start families, begin careers, and deal with societal pressures and personal struggles.

The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter is a brilliant standalone novel of Ferrante's that is centered around a middle-aged woman named Leda. While on a solitary vacation on the coast, Leda observes a young mother named Nina who is struggling with her relationship with her daughter. This awakens memories of Leda's own struggles with motherhood, making for a raw and honest depiction of the complexities of parent-child relationships.

The Days of Abandonment

In The Days of Abandonment, Ferrante delves into the raw emotions of a woman named Olga after her husband abruptly leaves her and their two young children. The story follows Olga's descent into despair and rage as she grapples with his sudden absence and tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids. Faced with a challenge she never expected, Olga goes on a quest to learn about her own identity and find strength within herself.

The Lying Lives of Adults

As the title indicates, this novel deals with the concepts of honesty, disillusionment, and family secrets. It follows the story of a young woman named Giovanna who becomes obsessed with her estranged father after learning a shocking secret about her parents' past. As she continues to delve deeper into their hidden world, she uncovers a web of secrets that shatter her perception of her family and her ideas of adulthood.

Incidental Inventions

Incidental Inventions isn't a novel, but a collection of essays that were originally published in The Guardian. Here, Ferrante offers a glimpse into her thoughts and observations on a variety of topics. Expect insightful and thought-provoking reflections on everyday experiences, personal fears, and the creative process itself!

Troubling Love

Troubling Love centers around Delia, who returns to her childhood home after her mother, Amalia, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As Delia grapples with grief, she confronts repressed memories of her childhood that were made difficult by her mother's volatile relationships with abusive men. The narrative unfolds as Delia pieces together the events leading up to her mother's death and confronts the lingering effects of her complicated upbringing.

Frantumaglia: A Writer's Journey

"Frantumaglia" is a word borrowed from Ferrante's mother and means "a jumble of fragments". This collection of Ferrante's writings does not feel like a jumble, but rather a rich body of work that provides insight into the challenges and joys of her writing process and the inspirations behind her novels.

In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing

Another collection of essays, In The Margins: On the Pleasures of Reading & Writing is Ferrante's exploration of the joys of being both a writer and a reader. She dives deep into her formative experiences with literature, her masterful approach to writing, and the challenges that can come with crafting meaningful stories.

Looking for more book inspo? Be sure to check out our storefront for more fab reading recs!

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