HBO's New Drama 'The Penguin' Features The 'Gilmore Girls' Star You Miss The Most

the penguin gilmore girls castthe penguin gilmore girls cast
The cozy, bright world of Stars Hollow could not be farther from the dark grittiness of Gotham, which is why I was shook to my core when I found out a beloved Gilmore Girls cast member was a part of The Penguin on Max. The show follows the titular Batman villain, played by Colin Farrell, and his rise to power in the city's criminal underworld. And in episode 2, Luca Falcone shows up to become the leader of the family — and if Luca looks familiar to you, it's because he's played by Scott Cohen AKA Max Medina!

Who is Luca Falcone?

luca falcone scott cohen

Macall Polay/HBO

The Penguin Cast

Luca Falcone, played by Scott Cohen, becomes the head of the Falcone crime family after his brother Carmine Falcone is assassinated. And then he winds up executing Castillo after C is accused of being a mole. This is a far cry from the Max we know and love in Gilmore Girls — he is so kind, funny, and charming that part of me wishes he were Lorelai's endgame...

The rest of The Penguin cast includes Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti, Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni, Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb, Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni, James Madio as Milos Grapa, Michael Zegen as Alberto Falcone, Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo, Theo Rossi as Dr. Julian Rush.

Where can I watch The Penguin TV show?

Macall Polay/HBO

The Penguin Release Date

You can watch The Penguin on HBO and Max every Sunday until the season finale on November 10. Here's the full schedule:

  1. "After Hours" on September 19
  2. "Inside Man" on September 29
  3. "Bliss" on October 6
  4. "Cent'Anni" on October 13
  5. "Homecoming" on October 20
  6. "Gold Summit" on October 27
  7. "Top Hat" on November 3
  8. "Great or Little Thing" on November 10

Is The Penguin a prequel to Batman?

Macall Polay/HBO

The Penguin Plot

The Penguin serves as a sequel to Robert Pattinson's The Batman from 2022. The eight-episode series explores The Penguin, whose real name is Oswald "Oz" Cobb, as he becomes the infamous villain superhero fans have come to know.

How many episodes are there of The Penguin?

Macall Polay/HBO

There are eight episodes in The Penguin. After the series premiered on Thursday, September 19, the show shifted to a Sunday release.

Is The Penguin series still happening?

Macall Polay/HBO

Yes, the series is still premiering weekly on HBO and Max! There's no word on a season 2 yet but stay tuned for any official updates.

Macall Polay/HBO

Watch a new episode of The Penguin this Sunday and if you're missing Robert Pattinson as Batman check out the latest news about his Sci-Fi Thriller Mickey 17.

There are few things in our daily lives as horrifying as a first date with a stranger. Usually, the best case scenario is you show up to an agreed meeting place, hit it off, want to go out again, and maybe even fall in love. That is, assuming you're not getting catfished and they're not a crazy person. Well, in Meghann Fahy's new thriller, she finds herself on the perfect first date that takes a turn for the terrifying when an anonymous stranger starts tormenting her...and then instructs her to kill her date. Now the question remains: will she follow through, or will this would-be couple make it to dessert?

Here's everything know about Drop, starring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar.


Watch 'The Drop' trailer now!

The first thing I have to call out about The Drop trailer is that Brandon Sklenar just keeps getting cuter. How is this possible?! He and Meghann Fahy have chemistry the moment he steps onscreen which makes this whole movie concept — you know, that Meghann's character is told she has to kill him — even more intriguing. And Sabrina Carpenter playing in the background? An inspired choice.

I want to believe that both Violet and Henry make it out of the story alive...but things aren't looking too hopeful for either of them.

What is the movie Drop about?

HBO

Drop Plot

In Drop, widowed mother Violet (Meghann Fahy) is literally so relieved when her date with Henry goes well. He's handsome and charismatic, and she's enjoying their time together — until an unknown number starts dropping anonymous instructions to her phone. Now, Violet has to play it cool while following her new contact's instructions or her kids will pay the price. There's just one problem: the final instruction is to kill Henry.

When is Drop coming out?

Drop Release Date

Drop hits theaters April 11, 2025. The Blumhouse film is from Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky), is written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, and is produced by Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Cameron Fuller. The movie's also executive produced by Sam Lerner.

Who's in the Drop cast?

HBO

Drop Cast

The cast of Drop includes Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Jeffery Self, Ed Weeks, and Travis Nelson.

See The New Drop Poster!

Blumhouse/Universal Pictures

The poster for Drop definitely gets my adrenaline pumping — and I love Meghann Fahy's glam eyeshadow & manicure paired with the terror in her eyes. Because, duh, of course this Emmy-nominted actress can act with her eyes like nobody's business. And the bold red of the graphic design? Chef's kiss.

Check out 10 New Terrifying Fall Thrillers to watch this season!

This post has been updated.

There’s truly nothing a lil’ shoe shopping can’t fix, and if you’re already building up your footwear repertoire for 2025, you need to be on the hunt for flat shoes. Where heels and chunky platforms once reigned, subtle, more low-profile shoes are inching into more and more the fashion limelight. Flat shoes come in all sorts of styles – these are the super chic flats, Mary Janes, slingbacks, low-lying loafers, sneakers, and boat shoes you’re about to see everywhere in 2025.

Scroll on to shop this year’s most stylish flat shoes – for every personal style.

Mary Jane, Slingback, & Ballet Flats

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flats

Metallics will always be marvelous. These shoes combine the popular Mary Jane silhouette with the classic ballet flat.

Nordstrom

Coach Claire Slingback Pointed Toe Skimmer Flats

What this shoe is lacking in height, it makes up for it with length. The dramatic pointed toe is so chic for work outfits and beyond.

Nordstrom

Vionic Orinda Square Toe Flats

If a pointed toe isn't quite your style, try rockin' flats with a square toe.

Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Mary Jane Ballet Flats

These cozy chocolate brown ballet flats will be on your regular shoe rotation come springtime!

Nordstrom

Naturalizer Connie Slingback Mary Jane Flats

These comfy Mary Jane flats also bring in the ever-popular slingback shape for added flair.

Rothy's

Rothy's The Double Buckle Mary Janes

These Mary Janes that come in a stylish burgundy color are the perfect everyday shoe!

Nordstrom

Dolce Vita Rodni Mary Jane Flats

Let those toes breathe a bit with some mesh flats. This style features that classic Mary Jane strap to keep your steps secure.

Loafers & Mules

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Elaina T-Strap Flats

Any kind of loafer is bound to be huge this year. They're always going to be sophisticated, but you can easily dress them up or down depending on the day. The dark red color on these T-strap shoes is a nice breakaway from your typical browns and blacks!

Target

A New Day Sandy Mule Flats

Loafer mules are another easy-to-wear shoe style you need to try in 2025.

Low-Profile Sneakers

Adidas

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes

You know 'em, and you love 'em: the Adidas Gazelles! These low-profile sneaks come in endless color combos. They're totally worth snagging if you like to build 'fits that prioritize comfort without sacrificing style. The three-stripe design will instantly earn you some street cred.

Anthropologie

Alohas TB.490 Club Sneakers

These similar sneaks have a fun foldover design that defies expectations in the best way possible.

Puma

Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers

When it comes to streamlined sneakers, the Puma Speedcats are the way to go. They've been popping up on fashion it-girls more frequently as of late, so you know you'll be on-trend when you wear 'em.

SeaVees

SeaVees SeaChange Lace-To-Toes Sneakers

The contrasting gum soles on these babies will definitely leave your look with plenty of visual interest, whether you style them more formally or go casual with it.

Boat Shoes

Free People

Jeffrey Campbell Yachting Day Boat Shoes

Believe it or not, boat shoes are also on the rise. These flat shoes have a preppy vibe that's perf for weekends or days off.

Reformation

Reformation Kyla Boat Shoes

These boat shoes from Reformation are a bit more elevated with an almond toe and a luxe-looking suede material.

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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 Yellowjackets season 3season 3 trailer is officially out, and I honestly can't believe what I just watched. This show honestly gets wilder and wilder with every episode, and each second of the trailer proves that even more. From the girls giving themselves over to the woods to their adult counterparts further unraveling this insane mystery to...Hilary Swank?! Needless to say, there's a lot to unpack here. Let's get into it!

Watch the Yellowjacketsseason 3 trailer here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube
There's seriously so much going on in this trailer, so here's every unhinged, unfiltered thought I had while watching it.
  • "Bodies" is an interesting way to start the trailer...really, any trailer!!!!
  • "They hunted their friends" — okay, so not only do more people die in the wilderness, but more people are literally HUNTED for meals.
  • Poor Coach Scott...are they gonna hunt HIM?!
  • It seems like we're dealing with the girls v. Natalie situation.
  • Who would want the girls dead, if not someone who was out there in the wilderness with them and knew their secrets?
  • Misty is clearly going fully Misty this season.
  • "The only people that know about this are either us, or dead," furthers my thought that there's someone out there from the wilderness they forgot about, missed, etc.
  • "The only way to be safe is to be the only one left."
  • Jackie sighting!!!! Is it Ghost Jackie, or a flashback?
  • Lots and lots and lots of fighting this season...
  • No, seriously, who is Hilary Swank?!
  • Adult Taissa and Van kiss! Yay!
  • I wonder if this is a Lost"we have to go back" kind of situation...
  • "Secrets will be spilled," okay but can you spill them now?!
It's been almost two years since the second season of Yellowjackets came out, so needless to say I need these episodes to drop ASAP!
You can watch Yellowjackets season 3 starting February 14, 2025. Happy Valentine's Day?

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How many times have you heard someone is a toxic person and — aside from therapy speak — what does it mean? According to Michelle English, LCSW, Co-Founder and Executive Clinical Manager at Healthy Life Recovery, "In a therapeutic setting, toxic behavior usually refers to patterns of behavior that regularly cause emotional, mental, or even physical harm to others."

Wondering why people resort to being toxic behavior? English says, "They are frequently the result of unresolved personal issues such as trauma, insecurity, or a lack of self-awareness." Jamie Bennett, LMFT of Mountainside Treatment Center, adds, "Many toxic people do things with the intent of getting a certain reaction – like a bully. If they want to rile you up and you don’t get riled up this changes the dynamic."

Wanna know what signs to look out for when it comes to toxic people? We've got you covered — and we have the tea on when you should finally cut them out!

P.S. Bennett says assertiveness isn't toxic, even if someone's behavior sometimes comes off as pushy or controlling. This just means they're sure of themselves!

Here are the 6 signs of a toxic person — & when to cut them out!

Kaboompics.com

1. They're always being dismissive.

Have you ever been really excited or upset about something only to be met with a dismissive tone from someone you confided in? This person is displaying toxicity which "gradually undermines trust in relationships," according to English. Would you want to keep sharing things with a person if they're always downplaying your emotions? Probably not.

Alex Green

2. Controlling others seems like a sport to them.

English says another way to determine someone is toxic is pay attention to their controlling behavior. It can be something as simple as telling you what to wear or something greater such as forcibly limiting your contact with anyone they think isn't good for you.

Keira Burton

3. They consistently makes excuses for their behavior.

Have you ever let a close friend know certain behavior bothers you only for them to make an excuse for why they keep doing them? Bennett says this counts as "avoiding responsibility for actions." Furthermore, "constantly" doing so or looking to "push the blame onto someone else veers into toxic territory," she adds.

Another way to look at this is if someone is always falling into a pattern of "victimizing themselves," according to Bennett.

SHVETS production

4. They tend to be manipulative.

Manipulation is tricky because it's not always obvious until it's too late. It's kind of like not realizing you were bit by a mosquito until your skin becomes itchy and red. Bennett says this is toxic because there's a knowing that someone can "appeal to a certain person's characteristics or personality traits." This looks like saying or doing something "with the intention of getting a certain reaction," according to her.

Bennett says, "An example may be one partner in sobriety who consistently uses their poor mental health as a reason to not be proactive about finding a job. They do this because they know that the other partner is worried about their loved one relapsing so they use that fear against her."

Liza Summer

5. They never miss an opportunity to gaslight people.

Calling this a "well-known example," English says gaslighting often occurs when someone denies the reality of another person." What would cause someone to do this? Well, a toxic behavior often doesn't want to take accountability for their actions so they'd rather "cause people to doubt their own perceptions," according to English.

Alena Darmel

6. They're always looking for reasons to criticize someone.

The catty behavior on The Real Housewives of New York may be entertaining for TV, but that kind of behavior gets old quickly in everyday life. No one wants to hear why "so and so thinks they're all that" even if it's disguised as humor. English says, "Regardless of their motivation," behaviors like this "can lead to stressful and emotionally distressing situations."

Alena Darmel

cottonbro studio

Is it time to cut that toxic person out of my life?

We live in a society that started prioritizing ending relationships with people as soon as we spot red flags, but English and Bennett don't think this should be our immediate reaction. English says, "The decision to disengage with a toxic person in the relationship will depend on how harsh and serious the relationship is" because "it is often personal."

According to her, if you notice a consistent pattern where the behavior is "damaging your emotional health," it's okay to walk away from that person. Still, she believes "completely cutting [someone] off is often a last option when other approaches to changing the behavior have not worked." Bennett says something similar and notes how to approach different scenarios.

"If it someone you need to communicate with because of a job or family, there are things you can do to protect yourself," she says. She suggests reminding "yourself who you are dealing with" if the person is adept at gaslighting others because "it may be easy to become convinced that you are wrong or something did not happen the way you recall." A phrase she encourages you to tell yourself is, "I know that my experiences are my experiences no matter what."

RDNE Stock project

If you're dealing with an aggressively toxic person, you'll have to "set and reinforce boundaries," Bennett says while English adds that "engaging in therapy to faciliate healthier relationships" may be a next step.

Here's how Bennett suggests navigating communication with someone like this:

  • Set a boundary to end the conversation when you notice toxic behavior such as invalidation of your feelings.
  • Receive support from another person so they can remind you of things you're trying to accomplish

If you're dealing with a friend or spouse, Bennett wants you to remember "you cannot change them" but you're in control of how you respond. English says, "It is important to analyze the whole situation and know when the cost of the relationship is greater than the benefits."

Bennett's last piece of advice is to know when to walk away" by having a "deep awareness for how you are feeling." You can do this by "checking in with your body and thoughts" so you can understand how you "respond to stress," according to her. She says this will give you more "clues on what when it's time to step away!"

Read more of our relationships articles to learn how to navigate tough situations in 2025!

Spring will be here before you know it, and if you're anything like me, you don’t think it’s entirely too crazy to be dreaming of warmer weather right now – especially as we face some insanely cold temperatures. In the vein of embracing big spring energy, I’m already thinking about my warm-weather wardrobe, and the first item on my wishlist is none other than a drop waist dress!

Fitting for everything from beachside strolls to breezy farmer’s market visits, drop waist dresses are such a cute (and easy!) way to look stylish while the sun’s beaming.

Scroll on for the cutest drop waist dresses I’m dreaming of for springtime and beyond!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie The Josephine Smocked Drop-Waist Dress

Covered in colorful blooms, this drop waist dress supplies plenty of fun hues you can use to pair your accessories and shoes with to tie things all together.

Free People

Free People Need To Know Mini Dress

I love all the drama this dress brings. From the oversized, scalloped collar to the whimsical puff sleeves, it's all brought together with a flattering drop waist silhouette. The mini length makes this style undeniably spring- and summer-ready, though you could easily style it for colder weather with tights, tall boots, and a denim jacket!

Anthropologie

S/W/F Sleeveless Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

The exaggerated drop waist on this maxi moment elongates your figure, flattering it to a tee. Plus, the trendy leopard print will earn you major style points! Whether you wear it with sandals or sneakers, you really can't go wrong with this design.

Target

Wild Fable Drop Waist Mini Tennis Dress

The pleating on this pick brings a unique flair to your typical drop waist dress. In my opinion, the details really complete the look, so all you've gotta do is pick out a good shoe, grab your favorite bag, and hit the streets.

Anthropologie

For Love & Lemons Gingerbread Gingham Dress

This gingham is beyond dreamy. This drop waist dress has such a playful retro feel to it, thanks to the bustier-style bodice, open back, and midi length. I'd style it with some kitten heels and bold sunglasses to lean into the throwback of it all!

Free People

Free People Roadhouse Mini Dress

A denim dress will get me every freakin' time. This detailed long sleeve style is truly anything but boring!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Drop-Waist Midi Dress

The duo-tone design of this midi-length drop waist dress breaks up your look perfectly, plus, it provides a bold foundation for having tons of fun with accessories and outerwear layers!

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Crepe Twist-Shoulder Dress

Okay, this chartreuse color is to die for. If you're looking for a drop waist dress that makes a statement, this is it.

Free People

Free People Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi

For the warmer months where you also want to get a lil' bit of sun on your shoulders, the strapless style of this midi drop waist dress comes in real handy.

Zara

Zara Bows Short Dress

I love that the boat neckline on this dress leans more modest while the mini length lets you show a good amount of leg. Plus, the deep brown color is easy to match with practically any piece you've got in your closet. The bows along the hips are the best part, of course!

Anthropologie

Celandine Strapless Drop-Waist Mini Dress

This mini strapless number is the perfect fit for any upcoming tropic getaway you've got planned. Even if a fancy beach vacation is not on your docket, you can still channel the laidback energy with this pick!

Target

Wild Fable Cap Sleeve Dropped Waist Knit Mini Shift Dress

This sophisticated drop waist dress instantly makes any occasion fashion-forward. I'd wear it with some sleek (and tall!) black boots to seal the deal.

Anthropologie

S/W/F Sleeveless Mottled Drop-Waist Midi Dress

This polka-dotted moment is sure to turn heads towards you, no matter where you take it.

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