Entertainment
Most Shocking (Scripted) TV Moments of 2023 on December 22, 2023 at 11:32 pm Us Weekly
Most Shocking Scripted TV Moments of 2023 Eric Liebowitz/FX, Courtesy of Netflix, Apple TV+, The Fall of the House of Usher. (L to R) Kate Siegel as Camille L’Espanaye, Sauriyan Sapkota as Prospero Usher in episode 101 of The Fall of the House of Usher. Cr. Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix © 2023
From Logan Roy’s death on Succession to those major guest stars on season 2 of The Bear, 2023 was filled with shocking scripted TV moments.
The sophomore season of Jeremy Allen White’s comedy-drama became a critical darling upon its premiere in June as it followed Carmy (White) and Syd (Ayo Edebiri) as they prepared to open their new restaurant. While much of season 2 focused on a more team-oriented, optimistic approach, episode 6, titled “Fishes,” looked back at the complicated and messy relationship of Carmy’s family before the death of his brother, Mikey (Jon Bernthal).
“Fishes” follows Carmy as he returns home for a particularly intense Christmas, introducing the extended Berzattos family played by A-list stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Bob Odenkirk and Sarah Paulson. It was the shock of seeing so many famous faces pop up without warning that series creator Christopher Storer hoped would throw viewers for a loop.
“I wanted it to be distracting,” Storer told the Los Angeles Times in June. “I wanted the viewer to be like, ‘What the f— is Bob Odenkirk doing here?’ I wanted it to really feel like when you walk into your family’s house and you are just overwhelmed by a cousin who you don’t want to talk to, an uncle you don’t want to see. You don’t even know who’s related to who, which I always feel like is the truest thing — everyone’s calling each other cousin and you don’t know what the f— is really going on, but you do know that even through all their weirdness and how dark it gets, they do kind of love each other.”
Keep scrolling for all the most shocking scripted TV moments of 2023:
Tom Wins on ‘Succession’ After Logan’s Death
This list isn’t an official ranking, but if it was, what goes down on the final season of Succession would be at the top. The first major plot twist comes with patriarch and business tycoon Logan Roy’s (Brian Cox) early death in episode 3. The show then concludes with none of Logan’s four children succeeding him in his business ventures. Instead, Matthew Macfadyen’s Tom — the estranged husband of Logan’s daughter, Siobhan (Sarah Snook) — finds himself taking up the mantle as Waystar’s new CEO, leaving the Roy siblings in absolute disarray.
‘Barry’ Jumps Ahead 8 Years
Barry’s final season is filled with surprising moments — Guillermo del Toro cameo, anyone? — but the biggest twist comes when the series jumps eight years ahead. In episode 4, titled “It Takes a Psycho,” Barry (Bill Hader) and Sally (Sarah Goldberg) have taken on fake names and are living off the grid after fleeing Los Angeles. Barry is now a full-time stay-at-home dad homeschooling their son, John Jr. (Zachary Golinger), while Sally works at a diner battling alcohol dependence.
Bradley Protects Her Brother Over January 6th on ‘The Morning Show’
Season 3 of The Morning Show jumping back in time to make viewers relive the trauma of the past three years is a controversial choice. Those feelings only escalated with the decision to cover the events of the January 6th insurrection in Washington D.C. While Bradley (Reese Witherspoon) being there as a journalist is no surprise, her covering up brother Hal (Joe Tippett) fighting a security guard — which she caught on camera before she subsequently deleted the footage — is a shocking twist.
Kim Kardashian Slays Her ‘American Horror Story’ Character
Many viewers were hesitant when they heard AHS creator Ryan Murphy cast Kim Kardashian on season 11 of the horror anthology series. However, Kardashian proves she can contend with veteran actors when she delivers her character Siobhan’s sassy and snarky boss babe attitude with ease. In a season that’s been overall slow moving, Kardashian is a major highlight.
Eric Liebowitz/FX
Mel Has a Miscarriage on ‘Virgin River’
The controversial decision to put Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) through the trauma of a miscarriage is a shocking choice for the Netflix series. The character, who moved to Virgin River to mourn her late husband and their stillborn child, finally finds happiness in season 5 with Jack (Martin Henderson), but the couple are thrown for a loop when she loses a baby for the second time.
Virgin River Courtesy of Netflix
Sazz Pataki Dies on ‘Only Murders in the Building’
The reveal of the season 3 OMITB murderer may be predictable, but the real surprise comes in the finale’s final minutes. As the group is celebrating the opening night of Oliver’s (Martin Short) play, Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), Charles’ (Steve Martin) stand-in from his previous series Brazzos, tells him she has something sensitive to discuss. As she goes off to get more wine for the party, she is shot in the chest with a bullet, seemingly after someone mistakes her for Charles.
Pete Davidson’s Mom Catches Him Pleasuring Himself on ‘Bupkis’
Pete Davidson’s Peacock series, Bupkis, a comedy-drama based on a fictionalized version of the comedian’s life, was guaranteed to be wild. Still, viewers did not expect the show to open with a masturbation scene. To make matters worse, Davidson’s character gets caught pleasuring himself by his mother, Amy Davidson (Edie Falco). Did someone say, awkward?
‘And Just Like That’ Brings Aiden Back Into Carrie’s Life
And Just Like That season 2 brings back the other “big” love of Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) life, Aidan (John Corbett). Although his appearance in the Sex and the City 2 movie was met with mixed emotions, fans were calling for the character to return since the spinoff premiered in 2021. The twosome end the season apart, but Carrie certainly seems committed to making a relationship with Aidan work — finally.
An Ape Kills Kate on ‘Fall of the House of Usher’
It’s clear early on that Rodrick Usher’s (Bruce Greenwood) family will be killed off one by one on Mike Flannagan’s latest Netflix horror series. Daughter Kate (Camille L’Espanaye) being brutally murdered by genetically advanced apes, however, was not on viewers’ bingo cards. Each one of the Usher children meets their end in surprising and unique ways, but death by ape is the wildest twist.
The Fall of the House of Usher Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix
Golden Boy Dies on ‘Gen V’
Patrick Schwarzenegger seems like he was going to be a big presence on Get V’s inaugural season, but that all changes when his character, Golden Boy, gets blown to bits on the show’s first episode. His gruesome death is a driving force for the Amazon Prime series, leading to one plot twist after another.
Ted Lasso Ends Up Back in Kansas
After three seasons of trying to move on from his ex-wife and attending therapy for his anxiety, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) ends the Apple TV+ series back home in the States coaching little league soccer. It’s understandable that the character wants to be closer to his son, but it’s shocking that the coach leaves his team and friends in the U.K. so willingly.
Apple TV+
A second surprise? Keeley (Juno Temple) and Roy (Brett Goldstein) not ending the show happily in love. Who would have thought?
‘Queen Charlotte’ Reveals King George’s Illness
While an enemies-to-lovers story fits into the Bridgerton franchise flawlessly, the series catches viewers by surprise when it’s revealed that King George (Corey Mylchreest) is suffering from a progressive illness that causes acute episodes of mania and memory loss. The extra layer adds depth to the story as Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) must reconcile falling in love and doing what’s best for her husband.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Nick Wall/Netflix
Billy Baker Dies in a Bus Crash on ‘All American’
For a CW series, killing off a major player on a random season 5 episode is rare. All American shakes up the status quo entirely when patriarch Billy Baker (Taye Diggs) dies trying to save students from a bus crash. A father to twins Olivia (Samantha Logan) and Jordan (Michael Evans Behling), and a coach to protagonist Spencer (Daniel Ezra), his tragic passing sends the show’s characters reeling, causing the rest of season 5 to spin off its axis.
The ‘Riverdale’ Core 4 All Dating Each Other — and No One Is Endgame
When Riverdale headed back to the 1950s for its final season, fans were convinced there was nothing that could shock them (this show did introduce tickle rings, organ-stealing cults and the epic highs and lows of high school football, after all.)
The series finale proves it still has surprises up its sleeve when it’s revealed that Betty (Lili Reinhart), Veronica (Camila Mendes), Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and Archie (KJ Apa) have formed a romantic foursome in their last months of high school. To add to the twist, a time jump sees none of the potential core 4 pairings live happily ever in the future, either.
Frank and Bill’s Deaths on ‘The Last of Us’
The Last of Us deters from its normal format in season 1 episode 3 to focus on a standalone story of two lovers, Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), who meet after Frank gets trapped in one of Bill’s survivalist booby traps. The episode follows the lovers through decades of their lives together until Frank, suffering from a neurological disorder, decides he’s ready to move on. In a surprising twist, it’s revealed that Bill has also put pills in his own drinks and the twosome die together.
While Bill is a character in the video game the HBO series is based on, his story is vastly different as he chooses to live on after Frank’s death and even joins Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) on part of their journey.
Misty Accidentally Kills Natalie on ‘Yellowjackets’
Season 2 of Yellowjackets continues to flip between the ‘90s and the present-day timeline. By the season finale, the adult women find themselves at Lottie’s (Simone Russell) camp once again fighting for their survival. In a shocking last-minute twist, Misty (Christina Ricci) accidentally kills Natalie (Juliette Lewis) with phenobarbital while trying to save her. The episode ends with Natalie’s body being removed (and ruled as an overdose), Lottie being taken to a mental hospital and Misty living with the guilt of accidentally murdering her longtime friend.
Those Massive Guest Stars on Season 2 of ‘The Bear’
Season 2 episode 6 of The Bear, titled “Fishes,” takes viewers back to Carmy’s past as he reflects on a particularly heated Christmas dinner with his family. The tense dinner slowly builds until it boils over entirely, making for an uncomfortable and claustrophobic watch. “Fishes” is also stuffed with notable guest stars playing various Berzattos, with Curtis portraying matriarch Donna Berzatto, Odenkirk as Uncle Lee, Paulson as cousin Michelle and John Mulaney as Michelle’s partner, Steve. Gillian Jacobs also appears as Richie’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) then-wife, Tiffany.
From Logan Roy’s death on Succession to those major guest stars on season 2 of The Bear, 2023 was filled with shocking scripted TV moments. The sophomore season of Jeremy Allen White’s comedy-drama became a critical darling upon its premiere in June as it followed Carmy (White) and Syd (Ayo Edebiri) as they prepared to
Us Weekly Read More
Continue Reading
By Bolanle Media | July 2, 2026
Photo: Tyla at the 2026 Met Gala in custom Valentino — days before making the biggest business move of her career.
There are career moves, and then there are statements. Tyla just made a statement that will be studied in music business classrooms for years.
The South African superstar — born Tyla Laura Seethal, 24 years old, and already the proud owner of two Grammy Awards — has officially signed a multi-million dollar global deal with Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s powerhouse entertainment company, walking away from Epic Records to align herself with the most influential roster in the music business. The signing was confirmed across social media with a major digital announcement this week, and the reaction from industry insiders was immediate — shock, admiration, and the quiet acknowledgment that someone just changed the trajectory of African music forever.
From “Water” to a Global Phenomenon
Let’s not forget where this all started. In 2023, a 21-year-old from Johannesburg released a song called “Water” that nobody could quite categorize and everybody needed to hear. Within weeks, it had sparked one of the most viral TikTok dance challenges of the decade, charted simultaneously across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Africa, and earned Tyla a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance — the first year that category even existed.
That win wasn’t just personal. It was a signal. African music — Afrobeats, Amapiano, and now what Tyla herself calls A*Pop — was no longer knocking at the door of the global mainstream. It had walked through it. And Tyla had handed it the key.
What followed was a whirlwind two years of sold-out shows, magazine covers, red carpet domination, and a growing reputation as one of the most stylistically fearless artists on the planet. She attended the 2026 Met Gala — her third consecutive appearance — wearing a custom Valentino gown dripping in diamond chains with a sweeping teal skirt, styled by the legendary Law Roach, with beauty by Pat McGrath. The look was breathtaking. But it was also strategic. Every Met Gala appearance, every fashion moment, every carefully placed interview has been building toward exactly this: the infrastructure to match the vision.
What Roc Nation Actually Means
To understand why this deal matters, you have to understand what Roc Nation actually is — because it is not simply a record label.
Founded by Jay-Z in 2008, Roc Nation is a full-service entertainment company with divisions spanning artist management, touring, brand partnerships, film and television, sports management, and philanthropy. Its roster has included Rihanna, Alicia Keys, J. Cole, Big Sean, Lil Uzi Vert, and Megan Thee Stallion — artists who didn’t just sell records, but built multi-decade cultural empires that extended into fashion, film, business, and beyond. The through-line isn’t genre. It’s scale.
For Tyla specifically, the Roc Nation deal unlocks a completely different level of access. We’re talking about premium budgets for music videos and live production, top-tier brand partnership pipelines with luxury and lifestyle companies, film and television placement relationships that most artists spend a decade trying to build, and the kind of media weight that gets you on the cover of Vogue, Time, and Billboard in the same calendar year. Roc Nation doesn’t just manage artists — it engineers icons.
On the African music side, Tyla joins fellow Roc Nation signee Ayra Starr, the Nigerian pop star who inked her deal in 2025, deepening the label’s clear and deliberate strategic investment in African pop as the next dominant global genre. Jay-Z is not betting on a trend. He is betting on a generation.
The Album That Could Rewrite the Playbook
The timing of this signing is not accidental — it is surgical.
Tyla’s highly anticipated sophomore album, A*POP, is officially set to drop July 24, 2026, just three weeks away — a 14-track project that she has described as unapologetic, globally ambitious, and deeply rooted in her South African identity while simultaneously reaching for something universal. The lead single “She Did It Again” features Swedish pop titan Zara Larsson, a collaboration that announces in no uncertain terms that Tyla is not staying in any lane she didn’t build herself.
With Roc Nation’s full machine now behind the album rollout — promotional infrastructure, media relationships, tour routing, brand activations — A*POP arrives with a runway that Epic Records simply could not have provided at this scale. The industry is already paying attention. For music supervisors, film and TV executives, brand marketers, and entertainment investors reading this right now — put A*POP on your radar immediately. This is the kind of release that shapes culture, not just charts.
The Bigger Picture Nobody Is Talking About
Here is what gets lost in the excitement of a big announcement: the systemic significance of what Tyla just did.
The music industry’s historical relationship with African artists has been, at best, transactional — major labels slow to invest, quick to cash in on a viral moment, and consistently reluctant to build the kind of long-term infrastructure that turns an artist into a brand. Tyla has navigated that system with remarkable intelligence, refusing to be reduced to a trend, building her artistic identity on her own terms, and now — at 24 — arriving at the negotiating table with enough leverage to choose Roc Nation on her terms.
That matters. Not just for Tyla, but for every African artist watching this unfold from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Houston. It is proof that the path from regional phenomenon to global superstar is not only possible — it is being paved right now, in real time, by a young woman from Johannesburg who refused to shrink.
For media companies, content platforms, entertainment executives, and brand strategists operating in the African diaspora space — this is your data point. African pop is not a niche. It is not a trend. It is not a moment. It is a movement, and Tyla just secured the most powerful co-sign available in the global music business to lead it.
Watch this space. Very closely.
Follow @bolanlemedia on Instagram for real-time music, film, and entertainment industry news. Read more at bolanlemedia.com
AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.
Spotlight on DJ Shinski
At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.
He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.
DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.
At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.
DJ Tunez and the rest of the night
Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.
Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.
Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir
Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.
If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.
Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel
A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.
It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.
A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs
Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.
The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.
Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.
The Women Behind the Show
Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:
- Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
- Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
- Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)
“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star
Already a Festival Favorite
The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:
- 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
- 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
- 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
- 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
- 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
- ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
- 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez
Where and When to Watch
Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.
Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:
For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Christin Jezak
Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.
About The Roku Channel
Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.
About Encompass Digital Media
Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.
Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Jay-Z Locked In Tyla. The Industry Is Shaking.
News4 weeks ago
Stats Don’t Tell It All: Adam Drexler Talks Hoops, Hustle, and His Global Pro Career at the Globall Facility
Film Industry4 weeks ago
What Movies Are Really Saying About Racism in 2026
News4 weeks agoHow the New York Knicks Turned a Basketball Team into a Cultural Movement
- Advice4 weeks ago
How Indie Filmmakers Actually Make Money In 2026
- Film Industry4 weeks ago
What Movies Are Really Saying About Racism in 2026
- News4 weeks ago
Stats Don’t Tell It All: Adam Drexler Talks Hoops, Hustle, and His Global Pro Career at the Globall Facility
- Entertainment2 weeks ago
Jay-Z Locked In Tyla. The Industry Is Shaking.
