Did the New Game of Thrones Book Just Get a Secret Release Date?

As we (not-so) patiently await the premiere of Game of Thrones‘s seventh season (which won’t be out until mid-2017!), we’re devouring even the tiniest bits of news on the subject: So far, we know there will only be seven episodes instead of 10 (BOO!), that Khal Drogo might return (YAS!) and, thanks to Kit Harrington sharing a serious spoiler, that this is going to be the darkest season yet. Now, we have some potentially very exciting news about the release of the next long-awaited GoTbook, thanks to Amazon France.

Although George R.R. Martin didn’t make an official announcement on his end (the guy sure does know how to build anticipation!), Amazon France went ahead and listed Song of Ice & Fire 6 – Winds of Winter on its site, along with a March 9, 2017 release date. That’s exactly six months from now and, considering the fact that we’ve been waiting for five years thus far, that’s practically tomorrow. *happy dance*

Despite the exciting news, however, fans were weary about getting too worked up by the idea that the book might see the light of day so soon after George missed the book’s January due date. While some, like Lily Melrose, crossed all of her fingers and prayed, others, like Austin Gilkeson, shared some more sobering tweets. “I’ll believe THE WINDS OF WINTER is finished when I read it,” he wrote.

Since the “leak,” Amazon France has removed the release date, but not the listing, and the book’s publishers have clarified that nothing has been finalized. US publisher Random House told EW! that “any on-sale dates currently listed online for the novel are incorrect. Once we have a publication date for The Winds of Winter, the world will know.” (Which, in George R.R. Martin speak, means we could easily be waiting five more years. Or 10. Or, you know, for eternity).

We, for one, are remaining hopeful that the leak, faux or not, says SOMETHING about the imminence of the novel’s release.

After all, as Steve Dutzy summed it up best,”You either die a hero or you live long enough to see George R.R. Martin release the next Game of Thrones book.”

Do you think the Amazon France leak holds any weight? Tweet us over @BritandCo.

(h/t Marie Claire, photo via HBO + Alberto E. Rodriguez)

When the WGA and SAG-AFTRA unions went on strike, the industry immediately began feeling the effects. Late night shows like SNL and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon stopped production immediately, and pre-production on shows like Stranger Things 5 halted. The end of the writers' strike means that pre-production on scripted content can resume, but we're still waiting to hear whether the end of the actors' strike means production can begin. That means it's going to take even *longer* for our favorite shows to release new seasons. After the delay that COVID caused, this is ... less than great news. Here's the latest info on which titles have been delayed, and when you can expect them.

Stranger Things 5

Image via Netflix

Stranger Things. (L to R) Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, and Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield in "Stranger Things."

"Writing does not stop when filming begins," Matt and Ross Duffer, co-creators and co-showrunners, tweeted on May 6. "While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work."

The Duffers went on to confirm in September that pre-production has resumed following the end of the writers' strike, but they won't be able to film until the actors' strike ends.

White Lotus Season 3

Image via HBO

The new season of White Lotus was supposed to be on our screens sooner rather than later, but it's been pushed to the next calendar year. "WhiteLotus Season 3, that was going to be ’24 and that’s likely moving into 2025,” said HBO and Max Content Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys, via Deadline.

The Last of Us Season 2

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

HBO is hoping to begin production on The Last of Us season 2 in 2024, meaning we'll probably see it in 2025.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight

On May 7, author George R. R. Martin published a blog post confirming that the new Game of Thrones spinoff had ceased pre-production, while season two of House of the Dragon has already begun filming.

"The scripts for the eight s2 episodes were all finished months ago, long before the strike began," Martin says. "The writers have done their jobs; the rest is in the hands of the directors, cast and crew… and of course the dragons)."

They hope to begin production in the spring, via Variety, should the SAG-AFTRA strike end.

Spider-Man 4

Image via Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures/IMDb

During the New York City premiere of A Crowded Room, Tom Holland told Variety that a fourth Spider-Man was in its very early stages of development.

“I can say that we have been having meetings. We’ve put the meetings on pause in solidarity with the writers,” he said. “There’s been multiple conversations had, but at this point it’s very, very early stages.”

The WGA strike may have ended, but we still don't know when this movie could begin filming.

Yellowjackets

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Yellowjackets Season 2 Official Trailer | SHOWTIME

Co-creator Ashley Lyle confirmed on Twitter that after one day in the writer's room for season three, pre-production has stopped: "It was amazing, and creatively invigorating, and so much fun, and I’m very excited to get back to it as soon as the #WGA gets a fair deal."

The writer's room is able to get back to work, but we'll have to wait for the actors to get the all clear before filming can begin.

Bunk'd

Deadline confirmed on May 7 that production on this Disney Channel comedy stopped, meaning we can expect a delay in the newest season.

Cobra Kai

Image via Netflix

Co-creator Jon Hurwitz tweeted on May 2 that production on the next season of this Netflix show stopped. "We hate to strike, but if we must, we strike hard," he said at the time. "Pencils down in the Cobra Kai writers room. No writers on set. These aren't fun times, but it's unfortunately necessary."

However, pre-production can now resume on the final season of the show!

Blade

The Marvel film was paused because of the WGA strike, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Abbott Elementary

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Abbott Elementary Season 2 Trailer

Writing for Abbott Elementary's third season was intended for May 2, the same day the strike began. Writer Brittani Nichols says in an interview with Democracy Now! that the season could be delayed as a whole (and this was before the actors' strike): "That could change the amount of episodes, which people I’m sure will be very upset about. It could change the air date. It could change a lot of different things.”

“I am a writer. I’m in the WGA. I’m also on strike!" creator, executive producer, and star Quinta Brunson tweeted at the time. "I have no real power here other than to join my union in demanding fair compensation for writers!”

Daredevil: Born Again

After disrupting the series' film schedule on May 8, Daredevil: Born Again shut down for the time being on May 10.

Good Trouble

Image via Mike Taing/Freeform

WGA picketers stopped production for Freeform's Good Trouble on May 9. "They got NO shooting done today. We got this done with a small crew of writers who started at 4am, and the cavalry of the Teamsters grips, electricians, crew etc.," @JorgeCoolReyes tweeted.

Since the actors still can't film, we won't be able to see the rest of the season for an indefinite period of time.

The Chi

The Chi stopped production on May 12 after "@IATSE 476 and @Teamsters Local 727 refused to cross the picket line," @ZaydDohrn tweeted.

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School

Image via Karolina Wojtasik/HBO Max

Filming for Pretty Little Liars: Summer School has been interrupted by the strike.

Daytime Emmy Awards

On May 16th, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that the Daytime Emmy Awards would be postponed.

"We look forward to our community gathering together as one to celebrate our Golden Anniversary and all of the talented nominees and honorees at a later date," President & CEO Adam Sharp said in a statement.

The Emmys are now scheduled for January 15, 2024.

The Penguin

The Batman spinoff series, was shut down for the day on May 16. Picketers also came to strike "outside a Harlem cemetery, to defend Gotham from The Penguin," according to a tweet from @warrenleightTV.

Severance

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Severance — Official Trailer | Apple TV+

Season two of the series, starring Adam Scott , Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette has paused production. But that didn't stop the cast from joining the picket line!

Emily in Paris

Image via Netflix

Filming for the new season of the hit Netflix show has been delayed, via Variety, but they're hoping to resume production on Emily in Paris season 4 in the new year.

Yellowstone

The final episodes of Yellowstone have been delayed to November 2024.

Keep an eye on our Entertainment page for more breaking news.

Lead image via HBO

This post has been updated.

Emily in Paris season 4 was the buzziest season yet, and for good reason. Emily's in Rome, Camille was never pregnant, and Gabriel's hair went from très hot to tragique. In addition to the viral response to Gabriel's new hair, season 4 left me pretty sad because after four years of waiting for Emily and Gabriel to get together, they almost immediately break up — and actor Lucas Bravo is just as confused as we are.

Carole Bethuel/Netflix

“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in Season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Lucas Bravo told IndieWire while promoting Mélanie Laurent’s Freedom. “As they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being completely lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or to see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned into guacamole. I really grew apart from him.”

Honestly it makes me really sad that a character we all love so much is becoming unrecognizable. But at the same time, it makes me feel a little bit better, because we're not the only ones who feel like Gabriel has changed. And while Lucas has done what he can to bring those early-series aspects of Gabriel back, he says "there is only so much I can do in the limits of a script.”

Netflix

“I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set," he continues. “It makes me question if I want to be part of Season 5…because my contract ends at Season 4. I really want to see if Gabriel gets back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self. Because three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, everybody is jumping around, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”

Say what now?! If Lucas Bravo leaves Emily in Paris, I truly don't know what I'd do. Gabriel is my favorite character on the show! (Or at least, early Gabriel was.) Seeing him move from 30, flirty, and thriving to someone who's consistently in the middle of an existential crisis doesn't make sense within the world of the show. And even though Lucas thinks the show has a "lack of risk," he still loves everyone involved.

“I love the show. It started everything for me. I love the show and the people in it," he says. "With saying that, I feel like I am not being nice or grateful, but when you love something you want it to be…you want the best version of it. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been frustrated with the direction by character is taking. But we’ll see where it goes. The show is not over.”

Just like the show's iconic costumes are all about expression and fun, here's hoping Emily in Paris is able to bring some life back into our favorite chef. Because if not, it sounds like we could be nearing the end of the show's most popular would-they-won't-they relationship. Fix this Netflix, I beg you!

What do you think of Lucas Bravo's dilemma? Do you miss season 1 Gabriel? Let us know in the comments and check out the latest Emily in Paris season 5 news.

TheSex and the City to And Just Like That pipeline has been anything but smooth-sailing, especially for Miranda Hobbes groupies. The up-and-coming, fiery lawyer who fell head over heels for future hubby Steve Brady has imploded over the short course of AJLT, and we (along with thousands of loyal fans) miss our corporate baddie, dearly.

Over the course of the trivial AJLT revival, viewers have revisited the OG cast of SATC (sans Samantha Jones 😢) as they live, laugh, and love in their 50s. Unfortunately for us, that means watching Cynthia Nixon's Miranda lose all sense of her character alongside the now-widowed Carrie Bradshaw and PTA momager Charlotte York.

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Miranda’s newfound quest for understanding her sexuality (which we totally love, BTW) has led to some abrupt relationships, (truly) unexpected nudity, and (worst of all) the end of her relationship with longtime husband Steve.

To quickly recap: the retired lawyer cheated on Steve with non-binary comedian (and Carrie's boss) Che Diaz, leading to the end of her marriage and quick shift into a committed relationship with Che. This was wildly adventitious to fans, particularly since Miranda has always been fiercely loyal and loving…traits which appear to have dissipated.

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Even with the divorce, Miranda’s character could have evolved in so many incredible ways. We would have loved to see her embrace single life and spark an even closer bond with Carrie, or un-retired and become an absolute law-making girlboss, or become a dolphin trainer in Thailand (Are there even dolphins in Thailand?)…just about anything other than her seemingly instantaneous relationship with Carrie’s podcast producer and bicoastal move.

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Top 10 Reasons Miranda Hobbes Was the BEST

More than anything, though, Miranda’s classic sensibility, quick wit, and iconically dry sarcasm have been replaced by a shell of her former self, whose only personality seems to come from what’s politically accurate to say. The OG SATC characters had chemistry that made us believe that Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda were IRL friends figuring life out in NYC. Now, there is a major disconnect between the old and new versions of the characters – something that the AJLT team needs to figure out, and sooner than later.

Unfortunately, Miranda isn’t the only female character MAX seems to slight. Just look at Khaleesi in Game of Thrones — she went from freeing slaves to setting fire to everyone and everything in the blink of an eye. Or Succession’s Shiv, who made a massive left turn at the end of the series, leaving fans famished for their favorite dysfunctional sibling dynamic. Like real life, female characters should be flawed, but it seems that these iconic women transition from shattering-glass-ceilings to becoming borderline “hysterical,” for no other reason than the writer’s decision. Make it make sense, MAX!

What do you think about the “new” Miranda Hobbes? Let us know @BritandCo!

Photo courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn/Max.

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

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This post has been updated.

Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

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Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

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Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

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Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

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Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

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Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

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Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

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Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

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Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Keto Asparagus

Keep the keto ideas coming, am I right?! Make this popular Pinterest vegetable dish loaded with garlic and extra cheese. Yes please!

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Yogurt Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Pack a 'lil extra protein into your mashed spuds (with the bonus of making them extra creamy!). Who knew yogurt would soon become your go-to secret ingredient?

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Pumpkin Spice Toffee

And let's not forget about the sweets! Make a batch of this pumpkin spice-flavored treat as a great take-home option for overstuffed guests! (Just be sure to save some extra for yourself!)

Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty Thanksgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.