10 Life-Saving Medical Innovations Thanks to 3D Printing

Kimberly Wang
Jul 27, 2015

3D printing is pretty darn cool. We know it can print makeup, furniture and more, but did you know it can also save lives? Dr. Glenn Green, associate professor of pediatric otolaryngology at the University of Michigan, recently saved a baby’s life by creating a tracheal splint out of a biopolymer that held open the baby’s collapsed bronchus so he could breathe. According to the LA Times, the splint is made to grow along with the child, and over time, as the cartilage in the area grows stronger, the splint will dissolve naturally, like biodegradable stitches.

1. Printed skin: Printed skin can be useful for cosmetic purposes, but it can also save lives. An engineering team at the University of Toronto took home the James Dyson Award last year for creating a 3D bioprinter called the PrintAlive that can print large, continuous layers of tissue, down to follicles and sweat glands, onto a hydrogel, to make painful skin grafts a thing of the past. Using the subject’s own cells, so that the body won’t reject the sample, the printer may be the answer for burn victims. (via PSFK)

2. Touchable Memories: A 3D printer recreates dimensional versions of a person’s old photographs and helps blind people see and feel their past again. Touchable Memories is a project started by Spanish creative agency Lola, who wanted to reflect on the human condition using 3D printing technology. According to their site, they are conducting “a social experiment where [they] give technology an innovative application… to achieve incredible results… Because wonderful things can be achieved when technology is for all of us.” (via Pirate3D)

3. A Cast that Cuts Healing Time: According to an article by TechCrunch, this cast was created by a Turkish student using 3D printing. The honeycomb shape is one of the sturdiest structures found in nature, and the openings allow for ultrasonic drivers — which are said to increase the rate of healing — to be placed directly on the skin. The inventor says that this can heal some breaks up to 80 percent faster. (via TechCrunch)

4. Prosthetics: Leon McCarthy is one lucky kid. He first made headlines in 2013 when his father printed Leon a “cyborg” (that’s what his friends called it!) prosthetic hand for about $10. Leon was born without several fingers, and when his father first heard about 3D-printed prosthetics, he reached out to some of the pioneers of the field and found an incredible at-home solution that would change his son’s life forever. (via Fox)

5. Printed Pills: Studies have shown that the shape of a pill can actually determine the rate at which medication is released into a patient’s body. Some may need rapid release, while others may need it to be distributed gradually. There are several shapes that are nearly impossible to make traditionally, and currently, pills only come in a handful of shapes and sizes — and that’s where 3D printing comes in. 3D-printed pills can be engineered to take any shape to help better treat illness. (via 3D Print)

6. Affordable Retinal Cameras: Retinal cameras are crucial to preventative eye care and are much needed around the world, but they can cost upwards of $20,000 for one device. Dr. Chiong of OphthalmicDocs and his team found a way to use a 3D-printed apparatus and few lenses to turn any smartphone into an retinal camera for about $33. They also made the design open source and free to download for users around the world. (via 3D Printing Industry)

7. Jaw Implant: South African doctors managed to successfully use 3D-printed jaw bone implants to reshape the faces of two men. 3D printers are excellent for printing bone implants, like ankle replacements, because the are extremely sturdy (they’re made with titanium powder!) and are perfectly customized to the patient. (via Health24)

8. Prosthetic Eyes: Eye cancer can be extremely fast moving and fatal. Thus, treatment often involves removal of the affected eye. Unfortunately, prosthetics can be extremely expensive, costing up to $15,000. Dr. David T. Tse of the University of Miami is aiming to create a fast and affordable solution with 3D-printed prostheses for those who can’t afford the steep price tag. (via Brit + Co)

9. Bone Cancer Treatment: In a study published earlier this year, scientists found a way to 3D print custom, biodegradable implants to aid in more effectively treating bone infections and bone cancer. The most exciting part is that this groundbreaking finding was created using very basic desktop 3D printers. (via 3D Printing Industry)

10. Perfectly Fitted Heart Implants: Dr. Igor Efimov, PhD at the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis and his team found a way to create an elastic silicon membrane that is precisely the shape of a patient’s heart and can adhere to the surface. The membrane is covered with 3D printed sensors that measure various heart markers and can even deliver a pulse of electricity in cases of irregular heartbeat to save a person’s life. Science is ah-ma-zing. (via Mashable)

Want to learn more about this kind of technology at Re:Make 2015? Get your tickets here!

What do you think of 3D printing’s role in medicine? Share with us in the comments below!

Save the Date! Brit + Co Is Coming to NYC

Imagine a colorful world with all of your female idols speaking, creative workshops everywhere you turn, food that will make you salivate, must-see music performances and, most importantly, dozens of ‘grammable moments all around.

Historically, we’ve brought Brit + Co to life annually with Re:Make, a two-day event we’ve hosted in San Francisco attended by nearly 15,000 women.

But this year, we’re trying something new called #CreateGood! Not only will we be visiting our friends on the East Coast, but we’re also switching up the format. Instead of two days, we’ll be live for FIVE.

That’s right. This year Brit + Co will be hosting a new type of event in NYC from October 4th through 8th in the heart of SoHo: a fully immersive digital program culminating in a five-day pop-up experience with the theme of #CreateGood.

Our goal for #CreateGood is to enable women to walk away feeling like a more creative and confident version of themselves through speakers, workshops, live performances, and more. We want to show the GOOD women can achieve in all areas of their life, from good food to good style to good work and good minds.

We chose this theme because we believe it’s the right moment in time to pause and consider how we, as women, can both do good for the world, but also for ourselves.

Beyond all that, like all B+C events, we promise that there will be confetti, balloons, and color… SO MUCH COLOR. So make sure to bring your phone, because you’ll definitely want to take part in all the photo-worthy moments we’re creating.

Can’t make it to NYC in the fall? No worries. While we’d love to see you IRL, we totally understand you’ve got a busy schedule, girl. That’s why all #CreateGood content will be streamed to our audience across Brit + Co social channels for a fully digital experience. So, make sure to like and follow us STAT ;)

Stay tuned over the coming months as we share more details of our next-level lineup of activities, performers, and speakers joining us. Want to be the first to know? Sign up for our #CreateGood newsletterHERE.

Can’t wait to see y’all there!

xo, Brit

Are you planning on attending our pop-up in NYC? Let us know on Twitter using the hashtag #CreateGood. We can’t wait to party with you! And make sure to stay up-to-date on speakers, programming, and more right HERE.

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Um, Nina Dobrev Just Hopped On This Tricksy New Mom Trend — Holding A Newborn Baby

Nina Dobrev sent the internet into a tailspin (including myself) when she took part in a new tricksy mom trend...cradling a newborn baby. This hilarious TikTok trend starts off with users holding an adorable infant with the text "I miss how my body looked before you." In addition to starting conversations about postpartum bodies (because every body is a good body!!) the trend insinuates the TikTok user is the baby's mother before providing a hilarious twist. So when Nina made her own video, we all lost it!

Keep reading to watch Nina Dobrev's baby TikTok video & read all the comments.

Nina Dobrev left all her fans "screaming" with her newest video.

@nina

ok baby, relax on the facts

♬ original sound - Gypsy

Nina Dobrev's TikTok features the Vampire Diaries actress in leggings and a gray cardigan with white hearts holding a sweet little newborn in a onesie covered in rainbows. Just like the rest of the videos on the trend, she says "I miss how my body looked before you," before cutting to a close-up on the baby's face with the words "Girl you're my aunt. Go to the gym." Not to mention the fact the baby is giving her some serious side eye. I can't help but giggle!

Naturally, the video comments were filled with people who fell for the trick, saying everything from "I THOUGHT I MISSED A CHAPTER" to "I first thought you had a baby and didn't tell us" and "GIRL I STARTED SCREAMING."

And one fan even added, "She would be an amazing mother."

Nina Dobrev and Shaun White are currently engaged (even if they're not wedding planning at the moment), and can't wait to see what life brings in the future.

"They've definitely discussed making things official. They've talked about getting married, having kids, the whole nine yards," an insider told Us Weekly in 2023, adding that the couple is “so in love and can’t imagine not spending the rest of their lives together. What they have is the real deal."

I'm swooning! Should Shaun and Nina decide to have kids (and decide to share them with the world) I'll be more than excited to support them.

Did you fall for Nina's hilarious TikTok trend prank? I did! Read up on Nina Dobrev Got Emotional As Celeb BFF Jessica Szohr's Maid Of Honor for more news on the actress.

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Here’s Why Brené Brown Believes Creative Women are Powerful

In case you missed it, last weekend was Brit + Co’s fourth annual Re:Make conference in San Francisco. One of our keynote speakers was a scholar, the founder of COURAGEWorks and the giver of one of the most inspirational TEDTalks of all time Dr. Brené Brown delivered a brilliant message about courage and vulnerability. Her quotes have been so inspiring, she recently collaborated with Sugarboo to launch The Brave Heart Gallery, which sells artworks of her quotes (also 20 percent of the proceeds go to a really good cause). Her most recent book RisingStrong explores how “falling gives us the power to write a daring new ending” and how processing the pain head on is can be strength. And according to Brené, when it comes being a creative woman, though not everything you do will be a success, daring to do it anyway is deeply important.

Being a creative in this day and age can at times be daunting — uncertainty about job security, the fear of rejection and staying in love with your passion after it becomes your job can be more than enough to turn people away. “When your vocation becomes your occupation, there’s always a little shift, so you have to protect it,” Brené tells us. “You have to keep the love alive so it doesn’t become just another thing you have to do, because then you can’t put the magic in it.”

And for creative women, we face an additional catalog of hurdles. “Creativity is kind of revealing a part of our soul, and we live in a pretty hostile environment,” Brené says, “so I think it’s scary to put yourself out there when there are so many critics and cynics out there today. I think that’s what make creativity scary, and I think that’s what make it powerful.” Rising in the face of adversity is certainly a strong statement. As our FLOTUS put it, “When they go low, we go high.”

And when you put yourself out there — yes, sometimes you’re going to fail. That’s okay. What you have to be careful of is letting your failures define you. “One of the big life stages at mid-life, anywhere from mid-thirties to late-fifties, the big developmental life stage is integration. We bring home all the parts of ourselves that we have orphaned because we don’t they fit in with who we’re supposed to be, we call them all home and we say, ‘This is me. The good, the bad, the tough, the beautiful.’,” Brené tells us. “I think that’s the gift of being my age, I have a very sensitive bulls–t meter so if you haven’t called everything home and made peace with those parts of us that are hard, that’s hard to be around.” And being able to pick up again after your fall — or even forgiving yourself for lingering down there too long — is all part of the process.

What do you think about Brené Brown’s advice? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos courtesy of Brené Brown and Sugarboo)

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10 Epic Western Books For Fans Of 'Yellowstone' and '1923'

How many times can we talk about our love for Yellowstone and 1923 before you think we've move beyond obsession? If you ask us, we're sure you'll be convinced once you scroll through the western books we've added to our must-read piles. Like historical fiction, reading about cowboys, outlaws, and frontier life feels endearing. Now that we think about it, we think it's because these tales are embedded in America's fabric.

Try as we might, we can't resist tales that remind us of the Clint Eastwood movies our grandparents loved watching or summarizing. But now we're in charge of the conversation and know which westerns are worth reading.

The best western books that are full of adventure, crime, revenge, and more!

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Outlawed by Anna North

Ada never meant to become an "outlaw," but life's funny that way. Prior to earning her new title, she was a new bride who actually loved her husband and journey to become a midwife. However, fear entered her heart as she realized being considered childless would look terrible in the eyes of other townspeople.
After weighing her slim options, Ada leaves her life behind and runs into the Hole in the Wall Gang. With the Kid as their leader, they seek to provide refuge for wrongly ostracized women in a time where fear-mongering led the laws of the land. But one colossal plan may derail the gang's efforts and cost them their lives. It's the very thing that inspires and frightens Ada.
Though Outlawed is set during the late 1800s, it's relevant because women are still treated inferior based on their fertility status. Plus, the conversation around reproductive health continues to be looked at through a limited "childbearing" lens instead of encompassing conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine cancer, and more.
In our eyes, Outlawed reads like a beacon of hope.

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Lone Women by Victor Lavalle

Adelaide is physically carrying a "secret" that could upend the new future she's seeking because it's deadly. For reasons readers will discover, this "secret" is responsible for the death of Adelaide's parents and it caused her to leave everything she's known behind.
In search of a new life, Adelaide and her "secret" make the way to Montana in hopes to get free land that's up for grabs. The catch is that people who do so aren't supposed to have anyone with them so Adelaide surely can't let anyone discover what's locked in her truck. But Montana isn't easy to navigate and the one thing Adelaide's been afraid of may be the very thing that helps save her life.
Lone Women is as much of a mystery as it is a western which is perfect for those who love both genres!

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The Bullet Swallowerby Elizabeth Gonzalez James

Antonio Sonoro's never been a good guy, but that's never mattered to him because he's aware of his heritage. Like those who came before him, he's a skilled gunman who's known for getting into sticky situations others would stay away from. But things have been been tough in Dorado, Mexico and Antonio's grown desperate for a solution that'll help sustain his family.
After learning about a lucrative opportunity, he drags his brother Hugo along for the risky adventure that costs the latter his life. Consumed by rage, Antonio sets off on a path that has dire consequences for his bloodline. It's precisely why his ancestor Jaime Sonoro's life is altered when he discovers the true history of his family. If that weren't bad enough, someone from Antonio's past comes to collect the debt the Sonoros have evaded throughout the years and they're ready to hunt Jaime down unless he can learn about who his grandfather, The Bullet Swallower, really was.
The Bullet Swallower invites readers to learn how "the sins of the father" can affect those born after them and how it's up to us to break generational curses.

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Whiskey When We're Dry by John Larison

The late 1800s is a tough time to be a young girl, but Jessilyn Harney finds a way to thrive despite challenges that arise. She goes from being alone to discovering that she'll have to hide her girlish figures if she wants people to think twice about trying anything illicit. Not only does this work, but it gives her a spot among the Governor's militia. But they're hunting the only person Jessilyn has left in life — her brother Noah.
Whiskey When We're Dry is a tale that shows two things can be true at the same time and how we often have to make decisions that contradict what we initially thought we wanted.

Amazon

Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope

There's love to be found in the west if you're willing to be open to it and that's what Cecilia "CeCe" Ashby learns in Holding the Reins.
Nursing a broken heart, she travels back home to Laurel Creek, Kentucky to bide her time on the equestrian ranch she grew up on. It's there she comes across the former annoying Nash Carter. Having grown up together, she remembers the many times he and her brothers sought to make her life a living hell. But those days are long gone.
Now CeCe and Nash are all grown up with an unmistakable yearning brewing between them.

Amazon

Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens

Bridget's new in Dodge City and has no idea what to expect until she gains employment at a brothel called the Buffalo Queen. It's not what she had in mind, but she goes from barely surviving to having food, money, and shelter. On top of that, she develops genuine friendships with the women there. But their peace is disrupted when outlaws threaten Dodge City with their presence.
Once again, Bridget has to decide if she's going to run away or defend Buffalo Queen with everything she's got.

Amazon

Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey

Esther's on the run for two reasons: she wants revenge for the brutal murder of her best friend and she wants nothing to do with marrying the man her best friend was formerly promised to. In her mind, there's no better way to right wrongs than by hiding out in the back of a Librarian's book wagon so she help dismantle those who seek to accept one written form of truth.

If we didn't know any better, we'd say that Upright Women Wanted sounds oddly similar to the fight against banned books.

Amazon

Inland by Téa Obreht

Inland converges the path of two unsuspecting individuals — Nora and Lurie — as they grapple with life in the West. Though it initially seems like their lives are different, something magical happens when they align.
Beginning with Nora, readers will watch her story unfold as she faces the uncertainty of the men she loves dearly — her husband and their sons. Between facing a drought and the idea that something invisible could be hunting them, Nora tries her hardest to get through each day.
Then there's Lurie and his spiritual gift of seeing spirits. They keep holding their hands out, expecting him to give them something and it all but drives him mad. The only thing that seems to distract Lurie is the promise of something beautiful with someone he's grown fond of.
Somehow, Lurie's new love draws him close to Nora and they find themselves on a journey that'll leave them forever changed.

Amazon

The Sisters Brothersby Patrick DeWitt

Eli and Charlie Sisters are the skilled hired hands for the strong-willed Commodore, but one of them is wondering why they continue to kill. Ironically, going after Hermann Kermit Warm is what inspired Eli Sisters to question their jobs because he knows this isn't going to be a simple task. But will he continue to follow Charlie into fire or will he decide he's finally had enough of the bloodbath that surrounds them each time the Commodore commands it?

Amazon

The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin

Ming Tsu grew up preparing for a life in a criminal group, but falling in love with Ada tears him away from that. As the daughter of a railroad magnate, it's clear these two are from different worlds but they refuse to let that get in their way. However, their actions have dire consequences as orchestrated by Ada's father. Not only is Ada kidnapped, but Ming is thrust into servitude for the Central Pacific Railroad. At the end of his ropes, Ming decides to strike up an alliance with someone called the prophet in order to save Ada.
It's a western book that blends magic, revenge, and the supernatural for a fascinating twist that leaves readers wanting more.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring and summer reading inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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When Does 'The White Lotus' Air?

The White Lotus season 3 is finally on its way, and it is, without a doubt, one of my most-anticipated 2025 TV shows. And we finally have an official release date! The new 8-episode season is coming even sooner than I could have hoped for, and there are plenty of sexy surprises in store.

In addition to the highly-anticipated return of Natasha Rothwell's Belinda, we're also going to meet characters played by Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Aimee Lou Wood. Talk about a stacked cast! I can't wait to watch the new episodesthis February, but this trailer is definitely holding me over for now!

Scroll to see the the official trailer for The White Lotus season 3!

How many episodes are in White Lotus season 3?

The White Lotus season 3 has eight episodes total:

  • Season 3, Episode 1 "Same Spirits, New Forms" aired on February 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 2 "Special Treatments" aired on February 23, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 3 "The Meaning of Dreams" aired on March 2, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 4 "Hide or Seek" aired on March 9, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 5 "Full-Moon Party" aired on March 16, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 6 "Denials" aired on March 23, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 7 "Killer Instincts" airs on March 30, 2025
  • Season 3, Episode 8 "Amor Fati" airs on April 6, 2025

What time does White Lotus come out?

The White Lotus episodes air on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 PM EST.

Watch the official trailer for 'The White Lotus' season 3 here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

The White Lotus season 3 premiered February 16, 2025. This season takes place in Thailand (after season 1 took us to Hawaii and season 2 took us to Italy), but amidst the stress-management meditation and incredible food, our cast is dealing with plenty of secrets, testing their limits throughout their week-long vacation.

"What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand," is the perfect way to open the trailer for this debaucherous new season. There's a lot to unpack throughout this almost 3-minute video. Here's what we noticed:

  • The Thailand White Lotus property is stunning! Every season makes me want to book a vacation ASAP.
  • Belinda looks gorgeous — so happy to see our girl thriving!
  • Our classic White Lotus family features kids who clearly have nothing in common or want anything to do with their family.
  • Responding to "I hope you enjoy Thailand," with "We usually go to the Caribbean" is that perfect White Lotus humor I live for. It's not in your face, but it gets the point across so well.
  • Belinda's there to learn and "bring the magic back to Maui." (Could this mean we get a return to the Hawaii resort in a future season?!)
  • Aimee Lou Wood and Walter Goggins playing a multi-generational couple is perfect — especially with little details like Aimee saying Walter should get a facial because someone thought he was her dad. Incredible.
  • "It means we're not dead yet," is such good foreshadowing given the morbid nature of this show.
  • "I think the cosmos brought us together," is more amazing White Lotus writing — these characters are always kooky, eccentric, and so addictive.
  • "We're poor now and daddy's going to prison" is a classic White Lotus character problem. You can't help but love to laugh at the incredulous Rich People Problems on this show!
  • It looks like all the crime described on the island sets up the potential for lots of different whodunnit murder scenarios we could end up with. I have a feeling we'll all be shocked at how this story turns up from who ends up in the body bag to who puts them there.
  • "Someone once said, 'The secret to life is knowing when to stop.'"
  • Oh and we get a new version of the theme song! I'm sure it'll be stuck in our collective brain for many months to come!

We already got hints at 'The White Lotus' season 3 last year.

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- YouTube

The teaser trailer gave us a glimpse at this exciting season back in December 2024.

"Everyone runs from pain towards pleasure," the teaser trailer voiceover said. "But they get there only to find more pain." The montage of late-night parties and unsettling shots like Parker Posey staring down the camera (and someone grilling a live crab until it catches on fire??) had me convinced from the beginning that The White Lotus season 3 was going to serve us an insane helping of both pain and pleasure.

We also got shots of Patrick Schwarzenegger lounging by the pool, Jason Isaacs taking a paranoid stroll through the jungle, and a coupled-up Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins celebrating the fact their vacation didn't kill them.

And creator Mike White says 'The White Lotus' season 3 is going to be bigger than ever.

We know that The White Lotus season 3 is going to be the biggest season yet, thanks to interviews with the creator and crew. “It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus,” creator Mike White said in an interview with EW. “It’s going to be longer, bigger, crazier. I don’t know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that’s a good thing…I’m super excited about the content of the season.”

And he's not the only one. Natasha Rothwell told PEOPLE that "White Lotus is going to give you a run for your money.”

"It's an excellent season and people are going to be very pleased," she continues. There's always something special about a third season thanks to the combination of familiarity and brand-new adventures, and the seductive intrigue The White Lotus season 3 is already proving my point.

Who's in the White Lotus season 3 cast?

Fabio Lovino/HBO

The White Lotus season 3 cast has a crazy star-studded cast! The list includes:

  • Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff: a financier vacationing in Thailand with his wife and kids.
  • Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff: Timothy's wife vacationing with her family.
  • Patrick Schwarzengger as Saxon Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's eldest son who works for his dad.
  • Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's daughter who's a college senior studying religion.
  • Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff: Timothy and Victoria's youngest, who's a senior in high school.
  • Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn Lemon: a TV actress joining her friends for a girls' trip.
  • Leslie Bibb as Kate Bohr: one of three BFF's on a girls' trip in Thailand.
  • Carrie Coon as Laurie Duffy: a lawyer escaping the real world with her friends on their girls' trip.
  • Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett: a mysterious guest at The White Lotus with his younger girlfriend Chelsea.
  • Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea: a young woman from Manchester traveling with her much-older boyfriend.
  • Lalisa Manobal as Thidapon "Mook" Sornsin: the White Lotus' health mentor.
  • Lek Patravadi as Sritala Hollinger: an owner of the White Lotus.
  • Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey: spa manager visiting from the White Lotus Hawaii vacation.

Season 3 is always my favorite season of a show — especially considering Gilmore Girls Season 3 Is Simply The Best, And No TV Show Has Matched It Since. Check out our weekend email send for more TV news and the latest news on The White Lotus season 4!

This post has been updated.

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