An Interview With "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" Season 4 Costume Designer María Aguilar

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 costumes

Welcome to our series Playing Dress Up, where we talk to the minds behind some of our favorite film and TV costumes. From fantasy looks that take our breath away to iconic outfits you can recreate from your own closet, these designers do it all.

There are some movie costumes that are instantly recognizable, and High School Musical is definitely one of them (Gabriela's red dress and Sharpay's entirely-pink wardrobe, to name a few). In the final season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the new characters we've come to love put on a production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year, and we talked to costume designer María Aguilar about recreating the iconic costumes from the original film, working with actors like Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman, and her time working on Dawson's Creek.

Image via Natalie Cass/Disney

B+C: Congrats on such a great season, and on having so many amazing costumes! I love how colorful and how much personality is in all of these different looks. How did you approach highlighting every character's personality while also elevating them as they grow?

MA: I like to collaborate with people more. I'm not somebody that's like, "You have to do this," I like to go in and make everybody feel like they're having a great time. And then it just evolves, right? Because people are quirky, they bring their own personalities and they shape themselves, and then they're comfortable as an actor.

Everybody has fun with it, and in my department, I invite everybody to play in the game. It's like, "I might be the designer, but I don't want to lead this down the wrong road. So if you guys all want to jump in and you have confidence and you have fun with it, I don't care." I think it's a fun game...If you can't have fun with fashion, you're in trouble.

B+C: The fun definitely comes across. What was it like to work with actors like Sofa Wylie and Dara Reneé on such a behind-the-scenes, external process since they're so involved in the characters' internal life?

MA: [Dara's] such a great spirit. She loves fashion...she has an amazing eye. So I've taken her every year to the mall, and she's so amazing. She can pick an outfit from Forever 21, she can remember when she gets to Urban Outfitters, she can remember when she gets to all her stores, and she's created outfits. And I'm like, "How do you do that?" I pull stuff and I style, [but] she made all these outfits and I didn't even know she was doing it when we were shopping...And Sofia's amazing the other way in that she's completely hands off, she gives you incredible boards, incredible direction, [she's] very specific.

I really force people to interact with me that way — I want to know about what you think. And I also have a huge mirror behind me [in the fitting rooms], and when I shoot them with the camera, they're looking at the mirror, at themselves, the whole time when they're doing their fitting pictures or doing their thing. So I like you to give me feedback so I know that you're comfortable [and] you're happy.

Image via Fred Haynes/Disney

B+C: Doing a production of High School Musical 3 within the show allowed you to recreate some iconic looks from the original movies. How did you approach still making them recognizable while giving them a modern edge for new viewers?

MA: Well, you know, they had to have a modern edge because those things don't exist [anymore]...It was sort of like what you could find to buy and then what you could manipulate. But it was a lot of trying to remember where [an item] was, trying to find this, that, or the other...Dara [whose character Kourtney plays Sharpay] — she was ready for that moment, and then Julia [whose character Ashlyn plays Kesli], she definitely had a different idea where she wanted to take it...It just came together, and it was fast and furious.

B+C: Tell us about dressing some cast members from the original films like Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman! What was the energy like having them on set?

MA: They were all great in their different way. They were all so happy to be there, and they were having a little reunion. [They got to] bring all that emotion to a show, and then you see it bounce around the room. It was a big number, that opening number is pretty sensational, and they're all so talented.

Image via Fred Haynes/Disney

B+C: Shifting a little bit, you also worked on a few other productions with The WB, and I can't pass up the opportunity to ask you about working with shows like Dawson's Creek!

MA: You know what I did for years? Their campaigns, their upfronts. So I worked with them all, I'd be meeting them over the weekend and dressing 55 actors from shows...And that's how I got Dawson's Creek because I was dressing Busy Philipps [and] she fell in love with me...So I got to go to Dawson's Creek and dress Michelle Williams.

The last season was when I came in, and then all I would do was fly out with FedEx from Barney, Neimans, and Saks, and that's all I did was walk out and they would just have fun. I love clothing, and if you love clothing, that's great, because that is my thing...And clothing's powerful. It's a hard game, but it's a powerful tool. But yes, so Tim, I think that's why he hired me! I worked on Dawson's Creek.

B+C: At Brit + Co, we talk a lot about creativity and inspiration, and I'd love to know how you fill your cup creatively and how you find inspiration.

MA: When I start, I buy a lot of stuff, and I don't even have it be a label because it doesn't matter to me. Sofia's dress, the gown [from episode 8], was the only label I've really remember buying other than working on The WB. But that Carolina Herrera gown was so beautiful, and it was perfectly what Tim wanted.

I sit on the internet for hours and I just look at every single thing and I see how unusual it is, and I just buy it and I have it in a closet of stuff. I do ASOS, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, I do Neiman's...I put all the little — Tim calls them the paper dolls — I take photos, I cut them out, I put them on the walls. And everybody can come in and see their outfits, and they see what everybody else is wearing, and they just come in and I put the story up on the wall as we build it. So I love everybody to know what's going on...Let everybody do their jobs and sit back and watch how it goes. I'm like, "I'm not here to lead the show. I'm just going along with you guys."

Which High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 costume was your favorite? Let us know in the comments and check out our Interview page for more exclusives!

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Summer is just around the corner, and that means laying by the beach or the pool and getting lost in a good book. To kick off beach read season, we’ve rounded up some of the most-anticipated books coming to shelves this summer. From enchanted star-crossed lovers, romantic summer flings, and thrilling forbidden loves, these books should definitely be packed in your suitcase for any and all of your summer vacation plans!

Here are all the new books we can't wait to read this summer!

Amazon

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria (May 27, 2025)

Ava Rodriguez is a divorced school teacher who meets the handsome Roman Vásquez, for a steamy one night stand – or at least what was intended to be a one night stand. But when Roman shows up as Ava’s cousin’s best man, things get complicated. Ava tries to hide her dirty little secret from her family, but Roman wants to be all-in. What started out as no strings attached has become much more complex.

Amazon

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler (May 27, 2025)

Anna is beginning art school in New York and befriends Willow, a mysterious and moody art student who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Five years later, Anna’s former muse Willow has turned into a shell of herself. When Anna tries to intervene in Willow’s life by staging a planned mugging, Willow goes missing on September 11th. Did Anna go too far, or did Willow play into Anna’s game all along? This thriller challenges the morality of revealing the truth when it may be better left unsaid.

Amazon

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20, 2025)

Katie Vaughn’s career is sinking fast—so she takes a daring gig profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. The problem? She can’t swim but pretends she can. Worse, Hutch is her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. In Key West, Katie gets caught in a whirlwind of secrets, swim lessons, and sizzling chemistry. With hurricanes, stolen kisses, and a chance to be truly brave, she must decide if facing her fears—including love—is worth the plunge.

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Optimistic Alice Scott and Pulitzer-winning Hayden Anderson both land on Little Crescent Island to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. When Margaret offers a one-month trial, Alice is determined to win. She’s great with people, eager to impress her family, and, strangely, rattling Hayden. But Margaret shares only fragments of her story, and an NDA keeps Alice and Hayden from comparing notes. As tension rises and sparks fly, their own story—like Margaret’s—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad, depending on who tells it.

Amazon

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams (May 6, 2025)

Audre, the junior class president and debate team captain, is spending the summer before her senior year writing her self help book, AKA her one-way ticket to Stanford. Bash, a mysterious new senior who everybody is crushing on, is spending his summer helping Audre complete her five wild dares to write about in her book. The scorching hot-summer leads to crazy chemistry the two friends can’t deny. Will Audre be able to maintain the friendship, or will she begin to fall for Bash?

Amazon

Love On Tour by Lee Adams (June 17, 2025)

Music executive Christine Matthews lives a quiet life until a broken heel sends her tumbling in front of country star Austin Garrett’s tour bus. When Austin realizes she pitched him his latest hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards, catapulting her into the spotlight. Suddenly, she’s facing cyberbullying, unwanted attention, and growing feelings for Austin’s tour manager, Matt. As past trauma resurfaces and threats turn dangerous, Christine must decide if chasing success and love is worth the risk—or if walking away is the only way to protect her heart.

Amazon

It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27, 2025)

Jane Jackson, a former child sitcom star, is determined to make it as a Hollywood executive. Her mantra: fake it till you make it. But when she takes it too far and claims she can get popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss—to write a song for her movie, she’s in trouble. Now, she must turn to her old crush and frustrating cinematographer Dan Finnegan for help. Can Jane juggle her past and career, or will her lie unravel? This novel is perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat with an enemies-to-lovers romcom.

Amazon

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3, 2025)

Joan Goodwin has been fascinated by space since childhood. When she gets the chance to join NASA’s first group of women scientists in the space shuttle program, she leaps at it. Training alongside a Top Gun pilot, a brilliant scientist, and a bold group of astronauts, Joan forms unexpected friendships and discovers a love she never imagined. As they prepare for their first mission, she begins to question her place in the universe—until one fateful moment changes everything.

Amazon

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 10, 2025)

Roman Carruthers returns home to find his father in a coma, his brother drowning in debt to criminals, and his sister struggling to hold their crematorium business together. When he tries to buy Dante’s way out, he learns the hard way that real gangsters don’t play fair. With no other options, Roman offers himself as collateral. As he’s pulled deeper into a dangerous game, Neveah searches for answers about their mother’s mysterious disappearance. But Roman isn’t as weak as they think—and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Amazon

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda (July 29, 2025)

Beckett Bowery thought she had her future planned out: stay in Wyatt Valley, Virginia and study at Wyatt College, the college her parents taught at. But when a tragedy leaves two men dead and her roommate goes on the run, she vows to stay as far away as possible from Wyatt Valley. Later when her daughter Delilah receives a full ride scholarship to Wyatt College, she is forced to confront her lingering fears and the fact that her past isn’t the only dangerous thing in Wyatt Valley.

Amazon

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett (May 6, 2025)

Thirty-seven years after the Republic fell, war rages between the five clans and the Kingsland. Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, saves lives—until she’s struck by a poisoned arrow from Kingsland assassin Tristan. Instead of letting her die, Tristan uses rare magic to save her, unknowingly binding them together. Their connection gives him access to her memories, the key to destroying her people. But Isadora can see into him too. To protect her clan, she must outmaneuver Tristan, and resist the dangerous pull between them, before he claims victory and her heart.

Amazon

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (June 17, 2025)

Joni Lark has a secret. She’s one of LA’s most coveted songwriters, but she can’t write anymore. Hoping to find inspiration, she returns home to Vienna Shores, North Carolina. But nothing is as she left it. Her best friend is distant, her mother’s memory is fading, and her family’s music venue is closing. Then Joni starts hearing a haunting melody and a stranger’s voice in her head. When the man behind the voice shows up in town, guarded and frustrating, they realize they must finish the song together or risk exposing their hearts and deepest secrets.

Amazon

No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell (May 6, 2025)

Charles Davids is a rookie firefighter starting his first week with the FDNY, struggling to prove himself to his new team. The job is grueling, the training intense, and the pranks relentless—but the dangers are real. Across town, Alan Johnson, bitter and unhinged after being kicked out by his wife, begins reporting fake fires at her apartment every night. At first, it’s just a cruel joke. But soon, Alan wants more than revenge. As the calls escalate, Charles faces a trial by fire that could make or break him—and put lives on the line.

Amazon

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani (May 20, 2025)

After being left at the altar, Stella Baldwin dreads attending her cousin’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Formula 1 driver Thomas Maxwell-Brown is desperate for a break from his crumbling career and bad press. When a wild night ends with a ring on Stella’s finger and Thomas as her husband, they realize staying married might actually benefit them both. It’s impulsive, reckless, and maybe exactly what they need. Because sometimes, what happens in Vegas doesn’t need to stay there.

Amazon

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld (July 8, 2025)

During her freshman year of college, April’s life changed overnight. After meeting up with her friend Rudy one evening, he was arrested, she was expelled, and her future fell apart. Months later, she met Peter, a young attorney who helped her rebuild everything. Fifteen years later, April has a happy life, three kids, and Peter is running for local office. But when Rudy is up for parole and April’s past makes headlines, it threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must decide whether to protect her family—or the man who once saved her.

Amazon

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6, 2025)

Alice never expected to see Charlie Florek again. Years ago, she spent a magical summer at her grandmother Nan’s lake cottage, capturing a photo of three teens in a yellow boat that changed her life. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay to care for Nan and find something she’s been missing. But when Charlie, now a charming and grown-up flirt, reappears, old feelings resurface. Long days on the water and stolen glances make Alice wonder if she’s finally ready to step into the frame or risk her heart again.

Amazon

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (June 3, 2025)

Blaze’s birth unleashed a deadly storm that killed thousands, branding her an outcast and stealing her magic. Hidden ever since, she’s shocked when she and her twin brother are invited to compete for the empire’s throne. Suddenly thrust into the Golden Palace’s dangerous court, Blaze faces deadly rivals, forbidden love, and the possibility of reclaiming her lost power. Torn between a captivating Crown Prince and a darkly alluring stranger, Blaze must decide if she’s ready to step out of the shadows and claim a destiny no one ever believed she could have.

Amazon

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (July 15, 2025)

Sera Swan lost her magic, her status, and her place in the magical Guild after a spell gone wrong. Now she runs an enchanted inn with her resurrected great-aunt, a mischievous talking fox, and a houseful of quirky guests. When she discovers a spell that could restore her powers, she enlists the help of Luke Larsen, a reserved magical historian with no interest in her chaos—or her charm. But as they work together, unexpected sparks fly. Sera soon realizes that the magic she craves may not be as powerful as the family she’s built.

Amazon

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer (June 10, 2025)

Charity Trickett arrives in Hollywood in 1997 determined to break into the movie industry. As an assistant to a blockbuster film director, she expects glitz and glamour but instead faces cutthroat coworkers, a failing love life, and a mistake that could cost the studio millions. Her bank account is running dry, and an FBI investigation threatens to derail her future entirely. With grit and heart, Charity must fight to keep her dream alive and avoid losing everything. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary will love this witty, behind-the-scenes Hollywood adventure.

Amazon

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (May 13, 2025)

Hendrix Barry has built a life most people dream of. With a successful business, amazing friends, and a loving family, she has everything except time for love. Caring for an aging parent and staying focused on her goals leave little room for romance, and she’s never met a man who could keep up. Until Maverick Bell. The charming tech mogul sees her in a way no one has before, but he’s off-limits if she plans to stay on course. When Maverick refuses to walk away, Hendrix must decide if love is worth changing her plans.

Amazon

What’s Yours is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley (August 5, 2025)

Valerie Yarnell is a devoted single mother who has always supported her daughter Kate’s dream of dancing. But it stings when Kate idolizes her best friend Colette’s mother, Elise, a former prima ballerina married to the man Valerie secretly loves. When Kate outshines Colette at a major competition, tensions soar. Elise’s pressure on Colette intensifies, and the rivalry between mothers and daughters reaches a breaking point. Then a shocking attack shatters everything, exposing dark ambitions and unraveling secrets. Soon, both families will learn just how fierce and dangerous competition can be.

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Julia Roberts has given us some of the most iconic rom-coms in pop culture history, from Valentine's Day and Pretty Woman to Runaway Bride.

If you're a Millennial or even a Gen Zer, you probably watched the movies as a tween or teen and gleaned (what you thought were helpful) insights about love, life, and relationships. After all, it's natural to look up to the woman on the big screen and want to follow in her footsteps.

Well, allow us to present a different take on the matter. In our humble opinion, movies can be just as wisdom-packed when they show you behavior you shouldn't strive to emulate. So, here's what I learned not to do by watching Julia Roberts rom-coms.

Scroll to see the lessons I took away from all my favorite Julia Roberts rom-coms!

1. Don't say "yes" if you're not truly ready.

In Runaway Bride, Julia Roberts plays Maggie Carpenter, a woman who leaves her fiancés at the altar multiple times, and her track record leads her to be called "the runaway bride" by a journalist.

Perhaps there are two lessons here. Of course, while fleeing your own wedding day is bound to leave your partner with a whole lot of (valid) upset feelings, it's okay to say "no" and get out of a situation that isn't serving you, even if it feels like it's not what you're supposed to do.

But at the same token, remember that you shouldn't feel pressured into saying "yes" in the first place when you aren't genuinely ready to tie the knot with someone.

Being ambushed by a romantic proposal or facing expectations of marriage following a long-term relationship can be frightening. Still, don't allow yourself to be backed into a corner. Learn from Maggie's mistakes and say "yes" on your terms.

2. Manipulation isn't the way to get what you want.

My Best Friend's Wedding follows childhood best friends Julianne, played by Julia Roberts, and Michael, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney. They made a pact to marry each other if they were still single at 28 years old, yet four days before Julianne's birthday, she learns Michael is marrying another woman.

So, she attempts to break up her best friend's wedding, but let's just say it doesn't end well. I'm sure that all viewers could sympathize with Julianne's feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. Even so, this movie shows that trying to force someone into a relationship they don't want is manipulative (and won't work).

The lesson here? Respect other people's choices and realize that not every single romantic feeling has to be reciprocated.

3. Fame won't solve your problems. 

In Notting Hill, Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, a famous actress who falls for the charming bookshop owner, William. Despite being a beloved film, it also serves as a master class in how fame can breed a whole host of relationship issues.

First off, Anna cheats on her boyfriend with William and cites the pressures of fame as an excuse. Instead of owning up to her actions, she seems to think that being a celebrity gives her a free pass to make poor decisions.

Then, Anna later takes it a step further by badmouthing William to strangers, again justifying her behavior as a consequence of her famous status. If that wasn't enough, when paparazzi harass her and follow her to William's house, she tries to pin the blame on him.

The takeaway here is that getting famous will not be a glamorous solution to all your problems. Rather, it often makes things worse. The spotlight can turn a person into a chaotic, out-of-touch mess who can't take responsibility for their actions.

Don't rely on grand gestures to fix your relationship. 

Finally, Valentine's Day is filled with romantic, grand gestures. From declarations of love to over-the-top surprises, the film portrays these moments as a way to fix whatever's wrong in a relationship. In reality, these gestures are surface-level and don't actually address deeper issues at play.

The real lesson is that true connection and lasting relationships are built on open communication, trust, and support. These things go much deeper than a bouquet of roses or an elaborate dinner.

Yes, grand gestures may be exciting, but they won't magically solve being on different pages with your partner.

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Today, many at-home libraries look a lot different than they did just a decade ago.

First, thanks to inspiration and ideas shared by avid readers on social media, classic shelving has gotten a major upgrade, with plenty of people using built-ins, DIY-ing shelving to look like built-ins, or displaying books in more unconventional stands.

Literature lovers are also upping their reading game by incorporating warm lighting, cozy chairs, and other viral bookworm accessories.

What's arguably the most new, though, is the introduction of colorful "sprayed edges" on the books themselves. Perhaps it goes against the classic mantra, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this trend has taken over the reading scene. This is why!

Here's everything you need to know about sprayed edges books!

What are books with sprayed edges?

Books with "sprayed edges" have their page edges painted, which adds a bold pop of color or reveals an illustration when the book is closed. They're typically designed to complement the cover and invite you into fictional worlds before you even crack a story open.

So, this extra detail has become extremely popular among readers everywhere. It turns any ordinary book into a visual statement and provides book lovers with tons of new opportunities to display their collections.

In fact, some people have opted to begin exhibiting their books with the edges facing out as opposed to the spine. With this technique, your shelving practically transforms into a mosaic of art instead of just a storage area.

When did books with sprayed edges start?

It's important to note that while viral fantasy and romance novels have popularized this trend recently, the concept of decorating book edges has been around for centuries.

In 17th-century England, for instance, a technique called fore-edging, or painting watercolor scenes along the edges of books, became popular. Some novels have even been adorned with gold or silver leaf.

More on books with sprayed edges:

Nowadays, the process of mass-producing books with sprayed edges has been streamlined, with publishers using high-powered machines to keep up with the demand. Plus, countless readers have been DIY-ing this effect for years, using tools ranging from spray paint to markers.

The result makes books feel more exclusive, and they're often even labeled as such, being called "deluxe" or "special editions."

If you want to get your hands on some, you're in luck, too. Various highly anticipated books are being released this year with sprayed edges, including The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Signed B&N Exclusive Edition).

Additionally, even some older bestsellers will get their turn to shine with the release of special editions featuring sprayed edges.

Kristin Hannah's historical fiction novel The Nightingale, for example, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a deluxe edition. Readers won't just get sprayed edges but also a new dust jacket, a gold-foil stamped cover, and a ribbon bookmark.

Still, while social media platforms have helped fuel the demand for colorful, eye-catching books, not every work will get such special treatment. Since sprayed edges add to production costs, publishers have to carefully choose which titles get them.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain: fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction books tend to feature them the most, as readers who enjoy these genres really seem to appreciate the decorative aesthetic.

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

The 1980s were a golden era for sitcoms, delivering some of the most iconic TV shows of all time, like Full House, The Golden Girls, and Family Ties. But for every smash hit that became a household name, there were also plenty of other TV shows and sitcoms that wound up fading into obscurity.

Let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisit 10 forgotten '80s sitcoms that you probably haven't thought about in years.

Scroll to see all the '80s sitcoms you totally forgot about!

Lorimar Telepictures

1. The Hogan Family

This sitcom had its fair share of drama, both on and off the screen. Originally titled Valerie, it starred Valerie Harper, who played a devoted mother raising three teenage boys while her husband, played by Josh Taylor, was frequently away for work.

However, after Valerie was fired over a contract dispute following the second season, her character was written off, and the show was rebranded as The Hogan Family, with Sandy Duncan stepping into the motherly role. It ran for a total of six seasons and starred a young Jason Bateman as one of the teen sons.

Mort Lachman & Associates

2. Kate & Allie

This sitcom was a refreshing take on family life in the 1980s. It followed two childhood friends who moved in together after getting divorced to raise their children under one roof.

Starring Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin, Kate & Allie balanced heartfelt moments with sharp humor and made for a compelling sitcom. It proved that family could be redefined in unconventional ways and became a success for CBS, running for six seasons.

Lorimar Telepictures

3. She's the Sheriff

In this sitcom, a widowed mother of two named Hildy Granger, played by Suzanne Somers, unexpectedly finds herself taking over her late husband's job as sheriff despite having no background in law enforcement.

The show humorously followed Hildy as she stumbles through her new role for two seasons. Then, it was pulled from the air.

20th Century Fox Television

4. Mr. Belvedere

In Mr. Belvedere, the life of the Owens family is turned upside down after they hire a sharp-witted British butler named Mr. Belvedere, portrayed by Christopher Hewett. He brings a mix of sarcasm and sophistication to the household and forms a bond with the Owens family as he helps them navigate everyday dilemmas.

This sitcom had steady ratings and a dedicated audience, so it ran for five seasons on ABC from 1985 to 1990.

Warner Bros. Television

5. Eight Is Enough

This heartfelt family sitcom was based on the real-life experiences of columnist Tom Braden, who raised eight children. It served as a launching pad for several young actors and ran for 112 episodes, capturing the joys and challenges of having a big family.

However, rising production costs and declining ratings led the sitcom to have an abrupt end. It never returned for a sixth season.

MCA Television

6. Out Of This World

Even though it ran for four seasons and nearly 100 episodes, Out Of This World remains one of the more forgotten sitcoms of the '80s. It follows a teenage girl who learns that her father is an alien on her thirteenth birthday and is given superpowers.

While the premise had potential, the series never gained a lot of traction or reached the same level of recognition as other teen sitcoms. It faded away in 1991.

Touchstone Television

7. Empty Nest

Empty Nest debuted in 1988 as a spin-off of The Golden Girls and centered on Dr. Harry Weston, a widowed pediatrician adjusting to life without his wife. The idea was actually first introduced in a 1987 episode of The Golden Girls as a backdoor pilot, but the final version of Empty Nest looked quite different from its initial concept.

The show had trouble capturing the same interest as its predecessor and came under some scrutiny. Even so, it lasted for seven seasons and spawned its own spin-off, Nurses.

Columbia Pictures

8. Designing Women

Airing from 1986 to 1993, Designing Women followed the lives of four women and one man as they ran an Atlanta-based interior design firm. The sitcom started off with solid ratings and had a loyal fan base, but frequent time slot changes by CBS caused a steady decline in viewership.

A fan campaign temporarily saved it from being canceled. Nonetheless, in 1992, it was moved to the infamous Friday night "death slot" and couldn't recover.

DLT Entertainment

9. Too Close for Comfort

Too Close for Comfort has faded from pop culture memory even though it ran for six seasons. Inspired by the British series Keep It in the Family, the show starred Ted Knight as a work-from-home cartoonist navigating life in San Francisco with his wife and two adult daughters.

It mostly followed a lighthearted family sitcom formula, but it did stir controversy, most notably with an episode depicting Oakland's crime issues that sparked backlash from local politicians.

Sony Pictures

10. Square Pegs

Finally, before Sarah Jessica Parker became known for her romantic Manhattan escapades, she starred in Square Pegs. This show follows best friends Patty and Lauren, who are two socially awkward high schoolers struggling to fit in.

As they attempt to climb the social ladder, they encounter a variety of characters. Spoiler alert: they never truly fit in with any of them and continue to defy typical high schooler norms. Square Pegs only ran for a total of 20 episodes.

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Hello, starlights, and welcome to April 2025! After the whirlwind energy of March, the cosmos brings a powerful shift — one that restores momentum, ignites manifestation, and clears the way for progress. With eclipse season behind us and planetary retrogrades untangling, the path ahead looks clearer, making this the perfect time to realign with your desires. If you've been feeling stuck, expect breakthroughs and clarity to return in full force.

To work with the energy of this month, holistic tools can help amplify your focus, balance your emotions, and ignite your confidence. Fire and earth elements dominate the cosmic landscape, like Citrine, Pyrite, and Tiger’s Eyecrystals will be powerful allies, strengthening motivation, prosperity, and stability.Colors also hold vibrational energy — gold and yellow enhance clarity, green promotes heart healing, and red fuels action and courage. As we move through April’s planetary shifts, these tools will help align your energy with the opportunities ahead.

Are you ready to activate your inner power and manifest with purpose? Let’s explore how the month’s transits will shape your path.

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's April horoscope for 2025!

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The month begins with Mercury stationing direct on April 7, lifting the mental fog and restoring our ability to make clear, confident decisions. Plans that once felt delayed now begin to move, and fresh ideas take shape. Keep a Tiger’s Eye crystal nearby — it strengthens focus and mental stamina, ensuring you stay grounded as you organize your thoughts. Journaling with a gold or yellow candle burning beside you can amplify insights, helping you map out the next steps with clarity and intention.

By April 12, the Full Moon in Libra paired with Venus stationing direct shifts the focus to love, harmony, and balance. This lunation illuminates relationship dynamics, inviting epiphanies and closure where needed. This full moon is about healing and recalibrating the heart, releasing past heartbreak, mending a connection, or stepping into newfound independence. The color green serves as a powerful ally now — wear it, light green candles, or spend time in nature to activate the heart chakra and promote emotional renewal. Holding rose quartz during meditation can help soothe old wounds and open space for self-love and deeper connections.

Spencer Wirkkala

Mid-month, the energy ignites. Mercury moves into Aries on April 16, sharpening our communication and making us more direct. Just days later, Mars enters Leo on April 18, filling the cosmos with boldness, confidence, and creative fire. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to act on an idea, launch a project, or step into a leadership role, this is it. Fire-element crystals like Citrine, Pyrite, and Tiger’s Eye will amplify motivation, pushing you to take action without hesitation. Red is the power color of the moment — using red light therapy, burning red candles, or wearing red clothing can ignite passion, courage, and drive.

As the Sun enters Taurus on April 19, the intense fiery momentum finds an anchor. Taurus season invites patience, stability, and intentional growth. It’s a time to assess what truly matters and build something meaningful. Ground yourself with Citrine and Pyrite, two potent allies for attracting abundance and strengthening resolve. Taking a barefoot walk in nature or placing your hands on the earth can help channel Taurus’s stabilizing energy.

Heyla Martin

April 27 brings a powerful New Moon in Taurus, marking a moment for deep manifestation work. This lunation encourages us to blend practicality with passion, turning dreams into reality through tangible action. To invite prosperity, smudge your space with Palo Santo to clear stagnant energy, then set intentions by writing them on paper and placing them under a green candle or a Citrine crystal. Taurus energy reminds us that true manifestation isn’t just about wishing — it’s about laying the foundation for what we desire.

As the month comes to a close, Venus re-enters Aries on April 30, reigniting passion, confidence, and desire. Whether it’s in love, creativity, or personal goals, this transit encourages boldness and direct action. Using red light therapy, surrounding yourself with red candles, or wearing red clothing can activate your inner fire, empowering you to step forward with complete assertion.

With fire and earth energy woven throughout April, the Universe hands you the tools for creation, stability, and success. Are you ready to claim them? Read on to discover what this month has in store for your Sun, Moon, and Rising sign!

​Key Astrology Dates for April 2025

Fatıma

  • 4/7 Mercury Stations Direct
  • 4/12 Full Moon in Libra and Venus Stations Direct
  • 4/16 Mercury enters Aries
  • 4/18 Mars enters Leo
  • 4/19 Sun enters Taurus
  • 4/27 New Moon in Taurus
  • 4/30 Venus enters Aries

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Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Ready to step into your power, Aries? Expect to feel energized as Mercury stations direct on April 7 in your twelfth house, clearing away uncertainty while also helping you see clearly regarding your past. By April 16, Mercury enters your sign, sharpening your thoughts and giving you the confidence to speak your truth.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 illuminates your seventh house of relationships, bringing clarity to partnerships. Whether deepening a connection or deciding to move forward solo, the universe pushes you to seek truth and balance in your love story. Venus also stations direct in your twelfth house, helping you release outdated emotional patterns before it enters Aries on April 30, making you irresistible and ready for a fresh start.

Mars, your ruling planet, blazes into Leo and your fifth house on April 18, igniting creativity, romance, and joy. Expect a boost in passion — whether in love, art, or personal pursuits, something magical will be crafted by your own doing. Believe in your vision. By the end of April, expect to rebuild your sense of self and money game as the Sun’s shift into Taurus on April 19 in your second house will help you establish solid foundations behind your plans. Luckily, the New Moon in Taurus on April 27 is perfect for manifesting stability and abundance--create a mood board and interweave a solid plan to back it up.

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Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

As a stable-loving sign, this month encourages deep reflection and inner work, Taurus. Mercury direct on April 7 in your eleventh house, clears up confusion around friendships and your long-term plans. The messenger planet then moves into your twelfth house by April 16, allowing you to be intentional with your energy and selective in what you truly want.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 highlights your sixth house of well-being, revealing where you need more balance in your daily life. Treating your body like a temple would be a crucial first step while refining your work-life flow. Venus, your ruling planet, also stations direct in your eleventh house, restoring harmony to social connections before the love planet slips into your twelfth house on April 30, awakening hidden desires and spiritual insights.

Expect to evaluate your personal security and family life as Mars enters Leo and your fourth house on April 18. This cosmic event encourages you to view your standing at home while establishing movement — it can be renovation time, moving to a new home, or simply reorganizing your space. This will unleash your inner Zen. Then, the spotlight turns to you when the Sun enters Taurus on April 19, amplifying your inner confidence and self-expression. The New Moon in your sign on April 27 is a cosmic reset—set intentions that align with your deepest aspirations.

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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

As the social butterfly of the zodiac, expect to spread your wings and fly this month, Gemini! April brings lots of social and career opportunities and Mercury direct in your tenth house on April 7 kicks off with you making bold moves in your career and long-term vision. Expect a lot of messages and networking opportunities by April 16, when Mercury enters Aries and your eleventh house, manifesting fresh conversations, collaborations, and exciting new social connections. Reach out and share your ideas--the public is waiting.

This month gets even better for you involving your passions as the Full Moon in Libra in your fifth house on April 12 cultivates the complete picture involving your creativity and romance — it's time to share where your heart truly lies. Venus, also stationing direct in your tenth house, restores harmony in professional matters before moving into your eleventh house on April 30, enhancing friendships and attracting valuable allies.

Step into the limelight and get moving when Mars shifts back into Leo on April 18, activating your third house of communication and sparking bold ideas. Your voice is impactful, whether writing, speaking, or networking. As the Sun moves into Taurus on April 19, the cosmic energy shifts inward, calling for rest and spiritual renewal. It has been a very busy month, and this is the opportunity for you to focus inward and review your accomplishments. The New Moon in Taurus on April 27 invites you to release what no longer serves you, set intentions for healing, and establish a new focus involving your true desires.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Cancer, the tides are turning in your favor, this month shifts your focus from inner exploration to big wins! Mercury stations direct on April 7 in your ninth house, clearing up any recent confusion around travel, education, or big-picture plans. Pick up from where you left off and begin laying the foundation in your goals. On April 16, Mercury enters your tenth house, sharpening your professional ambitions and making it easier to communicate your goals.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 phases into your fourth house, focusing attention to home, family, and emotional foundations. A shift in your personal life may resolve, allowing you to create balance. Venus also stations direct in your ninth house, smoothing out travel or academic pursuits before moving into your tenth house on April 30, helping you gain recognition in your career.

The action planet, Mars shifts into Leo on April 18, powering up your second house of finances. Your motivation to build security grows, and new income opportunities could surface. Your aspirations begin to take roots as you share your ideas with groups when the Sun enters Taurus on April 19. Take advantage and reach out to those who align with your vision. The New Moon in Taurus on April 27 invites you to set intentions around friendships and future dreams. By month’s end, Venus in Aries elevates your professional appeal — your hard work won’t go unnoticed.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

As the bold and bright sign of the zodiac, Leo, April is a month filled with significant shifts involving your way of communicating and yet complete satisfaction surrounding your ideas. Mercury direct on April 7 in your eighth house, helps you move forward in financial and emotional matters. It's time to disentangle the unresolved issues with resources or have that uncomfortable conversation to clear the air. By April 16, Mercury enters your ninth house, turning up the tempo involving your vision and big-picture thinking. Conversations around travel, education, or personal growth gain momentum.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 shines its light on your third house of communication, bringing essential conversations to the surface. Whether it’s a decision, an agreement, or a revelation, clarity arrives. Venus stations direct in your eighth house, easing tensions around intimacy and shared resources before moving into your ninth house on April 30, sparking your thirst for adventure and new experiences.

Expect your natural charisma to emerge when Mars charges into your sign on April 18, lighting the fire within and pushing you into action. Confidence surges, and your presence is impossible to ignore. When the Sun moves into Taurus on April 19, career ambitions take center stage, and with Mars on your side, name your terms. The New Moon in Taurus on April 27 is the perfect time to set intentions for professional success or to make a move involving your career direction.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

As the saying goes, the Universe has your back, Virgo. You are more supported than you know, and this month is about inner work and getting out of your comfort zone involving relationships and vulnerability. Mercury direct in your seventh house on April 7, pushing you to review your communication game in relationships and partnerships. Be clear and speak from your heart to get what you want. By April 16, Mercury moves into your eighth house, turning your thoughts and dialogue toward intimacy, vulnerability and insecurity. Transparency is the key to closure.

Then the Full Moon in Libra on April 12 illuminates your second house of finances and self-worth. Expect a shift in your income, an understanding of your spending habits, or a financial decision. Have gratitude for everything you have built on your journey. Venus also stations direct in your seventh house, restoring partnership harmony before moving into your eighth house on April 30, deepening emotional and financial bonds.

Expect the need to declutter the mind from old patterns as Mars enters Leo on April 18, energizing your twelfth house and encouraging you to reflect before your next move. Clear out by resting. Your creativity, and subconscious healing will play a key role in your evolution. Expect a silver lining in your journey when the Sun enters Taurus on April 19, encouraging you to focus on new opportunities in learning, travel, and personal beliefs. The New Moon on April 27 will reinforce a new outlet for you to explore these realms involving you set intentions for growth and exploration.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Libra, this month is about recalibration — stepping into your power while redefining key relationships. Mercury stations will be direct on April 7 in your sixth house, clearing up past delays with work, health, and daily routines. By April 16, Mercury enters your seventh house, sharpening communication in partnerships and helping you get your point across--expect progress as you relay your true thoughts.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 illuminates your first house, creating a turning point in your journey. A chapter of self-understanding cultivates, allowing you to move on in complete confidence. Venus, your ruling planet, also stations direct in your sixth house, restoring balance to your daily life before shifting into your seventh house on April 30, bringing harmony and attraction into your relationships.

Mars enters Leo on April 18, energizing your eleventh house of friendships and plans. This is a time to connect, collaborate, and take action on long-term dreams. The need for focusing inward and finding clarity with deeper matters begins when the Sun shifts to Taurus on April 19, shifting priorities to intimacy, shared finances, inner work, and emotional healing. A deeper understanding awakens as you accept your vulnerability. Speak with your partner and dissect what needs to be done to help you find footing and security. The New Moon in Taurus on April 27 is perfect for initiating a new approach around intimacy and financial stability. As you do the work by month’s end, relationships take shape in magical ways.

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Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

As the mysterious sign of the zodiac, this month brings a shift from inner reflection to action, Scorpio, guiding you toward liberation in personal and professional matters. Beginning on April 7, Mercury stations direct in your fifth house, clearing out creative blocks while rekindling passion. Then, organization and refining your daily routines and overall wellbeing will be vital when Mercury enters your sixth house by April 16.

Expect to review your inner life and release emotional baggage when the Full Moon in Libra phases into your twelfth house on April 12. Meditate, journal, or book an energy healing. Closure happens when you allow the information to surface, creating space for new beginnings. The love planet, Venus, breathes life in your fifth house, restoring your faith in love and artistic inspiration. Then, it proceeds into your sixth house on April 30, bringing pleasant exchanges and beauty to your daily life and body.

The fun begins when Mars, your co-ruler, enters Leo on April 18, activates your tenth house of career and public recognition. Your ambition surges, pushing you to take bold steps toward your goals. Expect by month's end to get even more exciting when the Sun in Taurus moves into your seventh house of relationships on April 19. It's time to manifest your dream relationship or to evolve your current partnership when the New Moon phases into your seventh house on April 27, offering a fresh start — business or personal. You will continue to be motivated and energized by the end of the month with Venus in Aries by your side, enhancing productivity and pleasant work opportunities. Shine your light and don't hold yourself back from getting what you want.

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Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Do you often wear your heart on your sleeve, Sagittarius? The Universe fully supports this and wants nothing more than for you to be happy. It all begins with you securing your roots this month. April creates momentum in both your personal life and long-term aspirations. Mercury stations direct on April 7 in your fourth house, resolving home and family-related delays. It can be a vital period for you to explore your ancestral history or speak with your family, and you will feel a stronger bond and be more anchored in your purpose as you explore your lineage. By April 16, Mercury moves into your fifth house, bringing a new wave of creative energy, romance, and playful self-expression. Conversations flow effortlessly, making this a great time to reconnect with joy.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 lights up your eleventh house, signaling a turning point in friendships and future goals. A collaborative effort may reach completion, or you may gain clarity about the people who genuinely support your vision. Venus stations direct in your fourth house, restoring harmony and beauty in your personal space before shifting into your fifth house on April 30, fueling passion, creativity, and love.

Traveling or expanding your outlets may be on the horizon as Mars enters Leo on April 18, igniting your ninth house of adventure. Your thirst for new experiences intensifies — follow your curiosity. As the Sun moves into Taurus on April 19, attention shifts to daily routines and wellness. As it is a very exciting month, establishing a wellness practice or regimen will help you feel more centered. The great news is that the New Moon in Taurus on April 27 invites you to set intentions for stability and productivity, ensuring you reach your wellness goals.

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Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

As the ambitious sign of the zodiac, April brings a turning point, Capricorn, guiding you to reclaim balance in your personal and professional life. On April 7, Mercury stations direct in your 3rd house, clearing up recent miscommunications and mental fog. If plans have stalled, clarity returns, paving the way for confident decision-making — especially as Mercury enters your 4th house on April 16, shifting your focus toward home, family, and inner security.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 illuminates your 10th house, bringing a closure in career matters. Recognition or closure in a professional endeavor arrives, prompting you to reassess your ambitions. With Venus stationing direct in your 3rd house, smoother communication and heartfelt conversations flow, later influencing your home life as Venus enters your 4th house on April 30.

Your personal life will be your main priority mid-month as momentum builds with Mars moving into your 8th house on April 18, intensifying transformation, financial matters, and intimate connections. Expect more fire in the bedroom or spicy interactions if you have been experiencing drawbacks lately. Be wild and free by expressing your vulnerability. Speaking of romance, by April 19, the Sun shifts into your 5th house, stimulating creativity, pleasure, and self-expression. This energy deepens with the New Moon in Taurus on April 27, a prime moment to set intentions around passion projects, romance, and joy. Step into the month’s momentum — your foundation is strengthening, and your inner light is waiting to shine as you live in complete joy and freedom.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

When destiny calls you Aquarius, you must be ready to claim it! April sets the stage for progress, clarity, and deepening connections. Mercury stations direct on April 7 in your 2nd house, untangling recent financial confusion and bringing fresh insights into money matters. If financial plans have been stalled, expect movement. By April 16, Mercury enters your 3rd house, powering up your voice and encouraging meaningful discussions.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 highlights your 9th house, bringing a moment of truth about travel, education, or personal growth. A vision you’ve been working toward reaches a turning point, helping you see the bigger picture. With Venus stationing direct in your 2nd house, financial matters begin to stabilize, and later this month, as Venus moves into your 3rd house on April 30, conversations around money, business, or creative ventures take on a harmonious flow. As you prioritize organization this month, expect your goals and confidence to take shape.

Relationships intensify as Mars enters your 7th house on April 18, heightening passion and stimulating interactions. Although Mars may make you ruffle some feathers, allowing others to have their say is essential. Listen intently to your partner, then find a common ground to attract progression. The Sun then shifts into your 4th house on April 19, calling your attention to home and emotional foundations. Use the New Moon in Taurus on April 27 to set intentions around stability, family, and creating a sanctuary that supports your evolving vision.

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Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

As the empath of the zodiac, Pisces, April clears the path for renewal, confidence, and deeper alignment with your values. Mercury stations direct on April 7 in your 1st house, lifting mental fog and helping you communicate clearly. Decisions that once felt uncertain now feel more aligned. Your self-esteem builds as Mercury moves into your 2nd house on April 16, financial planning and self-worth take center stage, encouraging you to pursue what truly matters.

The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 activates your 8th house, creating a turning point in your approach to shared resources, intimacy, or emotional healing. This lunation provides closure and clarity if you've been navigating financial agreements or deep personal transformation. Your life will flow positively as you face your fears and let go. The great news is that you are equipped to enter a new stage of expression as Venus stations direct in your first house, restoring a sense of inner harmony and acceptance in your journey. As Venus moves into your 2nd house on April 30, financial abundance and self-confidence gains momentum.

Abundance flows where your energy goes, and your productivity levels up as Mars enters your 6th house on April 18, nudging you to refine your routines and prioritize wellness practices. You are ready to share a message or solidify an idea when the Sun in Taurus lights up your 3rd house on April 19, amplifying your reach and connection with others. Use the New Moon in Taurus on April 27 to set intentions around learning, writing, or networking — your words have power, and new opportunities are on the horizon.

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