“Hacks”' Paul W. Downs Teases Series Finale, Admits He Felt 'Relief' Filming Last Episode: 'We Got It' (Exclusive)

Hacks creator Paul W. Downs tells PEOPLE that the show's ending has been planned out since the early days of the series

NEED TO KNOW

• "A lot of things changed in terms of the order and certain characters in the ensemble, but what happens with Deborah Vance, we pitched, oh my God, seven years ago," he reveals

• The Hacks series finale airs Thursday, May 28, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO

Paul W. Downshas known howHacksends since the beginning.

The HBO series follows the story of the legendary, but aging, comedian Deborah Vance, played byJean Smart. Downs plays her agent, Jimmy, and also created the series, which debuted in 2021.

“We pitched the ending to almost every network when we were pitching the show," Downs, 43, tells PEOPLE at the American Music Awards on Sunday, May 24. "I mean, obviously, things change. Actually, a lot of things changed for Jimmy and Kayla, a lot of things changed. "A lot of things changed in terms of the order and certain characters in the ensemble, but what happens with Deborah Vance, we pitched, oh my God, seven years ago."

“It’s something that we pitched when we pitched the series," he says. "And the fact that we were able to do it is the proudest I've been about the show."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The fact that he and his fellow creators were able to pull it off as they intended was not set in stone, even up until the final days.

“Honestly, the day after [wrapping] we all felt relief because we got it, because until the very end, we didn't know if we would actually get to shoot everything we wanted to shoot, so that felt really good, but it's so sad to say goodbye to these characters who became our friends,” Downs says.

Advertisement

While Downs had the ending planned since the start, Smart, 74, didn't feel the same way.

“I don’t remember ever picturing or even imagining an ending,” she toldDeadline. “I knew that it was going to be pretty much five seasons from the beginning, but I didn’t ask. I just was like, I’ll be surprised."

When she found out how it ends, "I was shocked and unsure about how I felt, because it was not remotely anything I could have imagined," she admitted. “But then I realized, no, it’ll work because they’re writing it and they’re amazing. And so I went, ‘Okay.’”

Downs’s character, Jimmy, became a fan favorite over the course of the series, as did his co-worker and business partner Kayla Schaefer, played byMegan Stalter. Fans, they both admit, are clamoring for a spinoff based on their characters, something they’re not opposed to. “Meg’s always saying yes,” he says.

Stalter, who joined him on the red carpet at the awards show, tells PEOPLE, “I keep saying to people, yes, because I figure the more I say yes, the more people will ask, and I just feel like we really should.”

TheHacksseries finale airs on Thursday, May 28, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Read the original article onPeople

bySator Tenet

in

May 26, 2026

“Hacks”' Paul W. Downs Teases Series Finale, Admits He Felt 'Relief' Filming Last Episode: 'We Got It' (Exclusive)

Hacks creator Paul W. Downs tells PEOPLE that the show's ending has been planned out since the early days of the series NEED...

Read More

“Sports Illustrated ”Swim Week Model Katie Austin Prepares for Her Sixth Year Hitting the Runway, at 6 Months Pregnant (Exclusive)

Katie Austin is preparing for her sixth year hitting the runway in Sports Illustrated Swim Week's runway show

NEED TO KNOW

• Austin, 32, will be strutting her stuff while six months pregnant with her first baby

• Austin married husband Lane Armstrong in May 2024

Katie Austinis getting to work the runway, with her baby bump leading the way.

The model and fitness influencer, 32, is preparing to walk inSports IllustratedSwim Week's runway show. While it's her sixth time hitting the runway forSI Swim, this year is extra special for Austin as she's walking while six months pregnant with her first baby.

Speaking with PEOPLE about her pregnancy journey and getting ready for the runway, Austin is happy to report she's feeling better than she did in her first trimester.

"The first trimester was brutal. I did not feel like myself. I felt very alone, to be quite frank," she says, noting that she was experiencing morning sickness "24/7."

"There was all-day long sickness. I didn't love the foods I usually love. Didn't love coffee, didn't feel like working out. But at the same time, finding those 10 to 15 minutes just to try to feel like myself was really beneficial."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The younger of fitness icon Denise Austin's two daughters, she admits she's felt an "identity shift" while managing her changing body.

"My business is run on feeling good and wellness and loving your body. And obviously, with those changes with pregnancy, especially as a first-time pregnant girl, it was very new to me to have a changing body. My body, to me, changed very fast."

Austin, founder ofThe KA App, notes that she had to completely reconsider the routine she's meticulously developed over the years as she weathered the changes.

"I'm kind of type A when it comes to my routine and what I like. I've taken years to figure out what I like and don't like, and what makes me happy and what brings me joy. And so I feel like when the normal things weren't working, or I didn't want to do them, it took me a while to be like, 'Okay, you can't plan for s--t,' " she tells PEOPLE.

"This is not something where you can wake up and be like, 'I'm going to feel amazing today,' or next week, or the following week, or know what your body is going to want or look like in a week, in two weeks, in a month. You can't plan for anything. I think that has been the hardest part and kind of humbling me, if you will."

Advertisement

Before modeling and her own fitness endeavors, Austin was a Division I lacrosse player and a soccer player during her time at the University of Southern California. Combined with her background, it made for a continued devotion to fitness after her college career ended.

"The last decade, I've been kind of pushing my body, and even in the days I don't feel like working out, I don't really have as much grace for myself, but now I have to have a lot of grace for myself. What I've really come to understand now, I would say, after I got out of the first trimester and I started feeling good, I looked back, and I was like, 'I wish I just told myself that it's a phase of life. Number one, it's temporary; you're going to get out of it. And number two, if you think that a good workout is going to be the same as it was before you got pregnant, you are seriously mistaken, and you're going to set yourself up for failure.'"

Austin now understands she'll be "redefining what strength is" throughout every stage of her pregnancy, "because strength is going to look different every single day in pregnancy."

The model mom-to-be is also applying that attitude to her preparation for theSports IllustratedSwim runway.

"Everything's different this year," she explains. "I feel like usually, I would have a little bit more of a workout regimen and be watching a little bit more of what I eat. But at this stage of my life, being six months pregnant, it's not really going to matter as much of what I eat. So I think making sure I'm eating the right things as far as feeling good, I think that's the entire point of it."

Other lead-up preparations include "trying to calm the jitters."

"This year is different because I cannot take my annual tequila shot before the runway, so I'll be missing that," she laughs. "But it'll be good because I love the girls this year. I think this is our best group of girls yet. Their energy will help as well, and they're such a great team."

Austin continues, "I'll be practicing my walk because I can nail a walk when I'm not pregnant, but I'm not sure how the belly is going to waddle. And this year is also different because Hulu will be documenting everything, which is really exciting. It's going to be fun. I feel like my baby girl is going to be my best accessory I've ever had on the runway."

"I feel really great now, and I definitely learned a lot, and I'm really happy to say that I'll be prepared for next pregnancy because now I know what to expect."

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Showstreams June 9 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+

Read the original article onPeople

bySator Tenet

in

May 26, 2026

“Sports Illustrated ”Swim Week Model Katie Austin Prepares for Her Sixth Year Hitting the Runway, at 6 Months Pregnant (Exclusive)

Katie Austin is preparing for her sixth year hitting the runway in Sports Illustrated Swim Week's runway show NEED TO KNOW ...

Read More

Denise Richards Celebrates Daughter Eloise's 15th Birthday, Gets Candid About Having a Child with Special Needs

Denise Richards celebrated her daughter Eloise's 15th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post

NEED TO KNOW

• Richards said that Eloise, who was diagnosed with a chromosome 8 deletion, inspires her with her strength and kindness

• Richards reflected on parenting challenges and shared gratitude for her family’s support, including Eloise’s older sisters and grandfather

Denise Richards'youngest daughter is celebrating her 15th birthday!

On Monday, May 25, theReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar, 55, shared a Reel onher Instagramin honor of her daughter Eloise's 15th birthday. The video was filled with moments featuring Eloise from throughout the year as she spent time with her family and posed in photo shoots.

"Wishing my beautiful Eloise Happy 15th Birthday! I can’t believe 15 yrs old already," Richards wrote in her caption. "Having a special needs child in a lot of ways gets more challenging with me worrying more about her future the older she gets."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"My mom always had said, a special needs child is an angel from God and Eloise is the biggest Angel with the biggest selfless heart. I’m so proud of her strength and kindness," she continued. "I’m so grateful for her older sisters, my friends who are my family, and my dad who is the best Grandpa & father figure for Eloise."

"Always there for her, no matter what. We 🫶 you girlie! Happy birthday weezy 🙏💛✨🎂 oh and she loves this song💫🌟🤩," Richards concluded her post, which was set to the tune of "HUNTR/X" from the Netflix movieKPop Demon Hunters.

The actress shares Eloise, who was diagnosed with a deletion in chromosome 8 in 2016, with exAaron Phypers. Richards also shares daughtersLola, 20, andSami, 22, with exCharlie Sheen.

Advertisement

Ahead of her daughter's birthday, Richards spoke with PEOPLE about the monumental moment.

"She's turning 15 and it's crazy to think," she said at the time. "It's hard, too, because she's not going to be able to drive, but she's at that age."

"But yeah, no, it goes so fast," continued Richards before adding that "a week later" her daughter Lola will celebrate her 21st birthday.

This past August, Richards broughtEloise and her daughter Samito a screening of her 1999 filmDrop Dead Gorgeousat the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Calif.

As she gave a speech prior to the screening, Richards said, "I have two of my daughters here, Sami and Eloise, who are seeing it for the first time on a big screen."

"I think one may be seeing it for the first time ever, but that's good," added the mom of three.

Read the original article onPeople

bySator Tenet

in

May 25, 2026

Denise Richards Celebrates Daughter Eloise's 15th Birthday, Gets Candid About Having a Child with Special Needs

Denise Richards celebrated her daughter Eloise's 15th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post NEED TO KNOW ...

Read More

Amanda Anisimova returns to action, win first-round match in Paris

Amanda Anisimova needed some time to shake off the rust on Monday during her first-round match at the French Open.

It was nine weeks to the day that Anisimova last played a competitive match. But once the No. 6 seed found her form, she rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over France's Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah on a scorching hot day in Paris.

Anisimova had 24 winners and 24 unforced errors and needed just 69 minutes to complete the victory.

Anisimova's hiatus was due to a left wrist injury that she described as "nothing too serious." Her last action was at the Miami Open and on Monday, she was happy to be running around the court at Roland Garros.

"I tried to not really overthink anything," Anisimova said. "I was super excited to be here, to be fit to play, honestly, and that was the only thing I really thought about is what a great opportunity. ... I'm just super relieved that all is good and that I'm ready to play."

Rakotomanga Rajaonah had 11 winners and 19 unforced errors in defeat.

Anisimova next plays Austria's Julia Grabher, who registered a 6-2, 6-2 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova.

No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and No. 3 Iga Swiatek rolled to straight-set wins.

Rybakina had 27 winners and 27 unforced errors while beating Slovenia's Veronika Erjavec 6-2, 6-2. Swiatek carded 17 winners and 16 unforced errors in a 6-1, 6-2 win over Australia's Emerson Jones.

Swiatek would have preferred the temperatures weren't in the low 90s, atypical weather for Paris in May.

She said the heat couldn't be compared to when the Summer Olympics were held in Paris in late July and early August of 2024.

"It is much different," Swiatek said. "Maybe it was that hot in the Olympics, but the balls were different, so I wouldn't treat it as the same tournament."

Advertisement

No. 7 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine lost the first set and had to win a third-set tiebreaker to land a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3) victory over Hungary's Anna Bondar in two hours, 26 minutes.

Svitolina ended a two-match losing streak against Bondar and now leads the head-to-head competition, 3-2.

"When you are competing at your highest level, it's all about the small details," Svitolina said. "It's physical freshness, it's mental freshness and, you know, just being strong and collected in these moments."

Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova took care of Russia's Anastasia Zakharova 7-5, 6-2. Italy's Jasmine Paolini, seeded No. 13, notched a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska.

Camila Osorio of Colombia upset No. 14 Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-2, 6-4, and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann knocked off Russia's Liudmila Samsonova, the No. 20 seed, 6-4, 6-4.

No. 23 Elise Mertens of Belgium beat Germany's Tatjana Maria 7-5, 6-0 and No. 28 Anastasia Potapova of Russia was a 6-1, 6-2 winner of Maya Joint of Australia.

Meanwhile, American Alycia Parks upset No. 24 seed Leylah Fernandez of Canada 6-4, 6-4, with a 26-10 edge in total winners. No. 25 seed Diana Shnaider of Russia had an easier time beating Mexico's Renata Zarazua 6-4, 6-1.

No. 29 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia posted a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ella Seidel of Germany. Swiss qualifier Susan Bandecchi beat No. 31 Cristina Bucsa of Spain 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

In other first-round matches, Poland's Maja Chwalinska defeated China's Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 6-0; Eva Lys of Germany defeated Croatia's Petra Marcinko 6-3, 6-0; and Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland rolled to a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Panna Udvardy of Hungary. American McCartney Kessler rallied for a 4-6, 7-6 (1), 7-5 victory over Guo Hanyu of China.

Daria Kasatkina of Australia defeated Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez 6-4, 6-4. Spain's Kaitlin Quevedo beat France's Leolia Jeanjean 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2), and Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan knocked off Talia Gibson of Australia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova outlasted Romania's Jaqueline Cristian 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, and Brit Katie Boulter outlasted American Akasha Urhobo 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

--Field Level Media

bySator Tenet

in

May 25, 2026

Amanda Anisimova returns to action, win first-round match in Paris

Amanda Anisimova needed some time to shake off the rust on Monday during her first-round match at the French Open. It was nine we...

Read More

Tiger Woods Returns to Social Media with Memorial Day Post Honoring His Late Father

Tiger Woods honored his late father, Earl Woods, with a Memorial Day tribute on May 25

NEED TO KNOW

• The post marked his return to social media after completing a six-week treatment program abroad following his DUI arrest and car crash

• A source says Tiger is focused on recovery and motivated by hopes of making a golf comeback

Tiger Woodshas returned to social media for the first time since announcing that he was seeking rehabilitation in the wake of his DUI arrest.

On Monday, May 25, the professional golfer, 50, marked Memorial Day with anInstagram Stories posthonoring his late father, veteranEarl Woods.

“My father was a Special Forces operator with two tours in Vietnam and 20 years of service,” Tiger wrote in the tribute. “To all those like my father, we all say thank you for your sacrifices. Without them we wouldn't have the greatest country on Earth.”

The post honoring the pro golfer's dad, whodied in 2006at age 74, comes after Tiger's six-weekstint out of the countryto seek treatment in the wake of hiscar crash and DUI arrest.

The 15-time Major championpleaded not guilty to a DUI chargeafter crashing his Range Rover on a two-lane road near his home in Jupiter Island, Fla., on March 27.Nobody was injured as a resultof the crash, whichmarks the third car accident the golf star has been involved in.

Tigerannouncedthat he would be "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" onXon March 31. Authorities believe Tiger was "not impaired by alcohol but possibly by medication or another substance,” and found two hydrocodone pills in his left pants pocket while at the scene, per court documents reviewed by PEOPLE.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he wrote on X at the time. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”

Advertisement

“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," the golfer continued. "I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field withPEOPLE's free sports newsletter— sign up now!

Tiger wasspotted landing back in Floridaon Wednesday, May 13 afterhis stint out of the countryto seek treatment. The star's lawyers had previously petitioned a judge to allow him to leave the country for his treatment due to "privacy" concerns.

TMZreported that he arrived in a private jet that had flown in from Zurich, Switzerland.

Before his return to Florida, a sourcetold PEOPLE exclusivelythat Tigeris hoping to make a golf comeback post-treatment. The star "desperately" wants to return to the sport, which is motivating him to stick with his treatment, according to the golf insider.

After his time abroad, a source told PEOPLE that the golf prois “happy” to be back homeand closer to girlfriendVanessa Trumpas he continues his recovery process. “Tiger took his trip seriously and is all about continuing his recovery and putting this chapter behind him,” the Jupiter-based insider told PEOPLE.

“He is in good spirits and also can't wait to put the legal issues to rest,” the source added.

Read the original article onPeople

bySator Tenet

in

May 25, 2026

Tiger Woods Returns to Social Media with Memorial Day Post Honoring His Late Father

Tiger Woods honored his late father, Earl Woods, with a Memorial Day tribute on May 25 NEED TO KNOW The post marke...

Read More

“Teen Mom” Alum Ryan Edwards’ Wife Amanda Conner Arrested, Charged with DUI After He Called 911 to Say Their Baby Was in Car

Amanda Conner, the wife of Teen Mom alum Ryan Edwards, was arrested in Tennessee and charged with DUI and child abuse/neglect after allegedly driving under the influence with their baby in the car

NEED TO KNOW

• Edwards reportedly called 911 to report the incident

• In 2025, the couple welcomed their first baby together and got married after Edwards finalized his divorce to his ex-wife

Amanda Conner, the wife ofTeen MomalumRyan Edwards, has been arrested and booked on a DUI charge after allegedly driving under the influence with their baby in the car.

Court records in Hamilton County, Tenn. show that Conner, 35, was arrested on Sunday, May 24, by a Chattanooga police officer.

She has been charged with driving under the influence, child abuse/neglect as well as driving on the wrong side of the road, perTMZ. According to the outlet, her bond was set at $16,000. By about 3 p.m. local time, she had not yet been released on bond.

TMZ reported that if she posts bond, Conner will be required to abide by a no-contact order regarding the child involved in the incident until at least her next court hearing, which is set for June 3, court records show.

Conner is not allowed to be near the child, and she cannot contact the person who will be taking care of the child, the outlet reported.

In audio of a 911 call obtained by TMZ and shared on social media, a dispatcher can be heard informing authorities that a husband called the police on his wife to say that she had left with “their baby” in the car. The dispatcher also says that the caller said he was worried his wife was using narcotics because she refused to be drug tested.

No names are given during the call.

Advertisement

Edwards, 38, proposed to Conner in 2024 andthe couple got married in 2025, two weeks after finalizing his divorce from Mackenzie Standifer on Aug. 15.

They share1-year-old daughter Presley, and Edwards is also father to 17-year-old son Bentley, whom he shares with ex-fiancée16 and Pregnant's Maci Bookout McKinney. He is also dad to son Jagger, 7, and daughter Stella, 6, with Standifer.

Court records viewed by PEOPLE show that Conner previously pleaded guilty to DUI and possession of a controlled substance in 2023. She has also pleaded guilty to a number of other charges beginning in 2010, including theft, possession of marijuana and failure to appear.

As for Edwards, he revealed on theTeen Mom: Next Chapterreunion in October 2023 that he was five months sober. In an episode ofTeen Mom: Next Chapterover the summer, hetold Bookout that he plannedtogo to a rehab centerin Austin for 30 to 45 days.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In April 2023, Edwards was arrested for violating the terms of his probation. The former television personality was initially charged with possession of a controlled substance and a DUI, according to an arrest affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE. He pleaded guilty to the charges while accepting a plea deal, perIn Touchand Yahoo News, which reported he served 48 hours in jail, was ordered to pay a $465 fine and court costs, lost his license for a year and had to attend DUI school.

Read the original article onPeople

bySator Tenet

in

May 24, 2026

“Teen Mom” Alum Ryan Edwards’ Wife Amanda Conner Arrested, Charged with DUI After He Called 911 to Say Their Baby Was in Car

Amanda Conner, the wife of Teen Mom alum Ryan Edwards, was arrested in Tennessee and charged with DUI and child abuse/neglect after al...

Read More

Canadiens in solid position entering Game 3 vs. Hurricanes

With home-ice advantage now in their back pocket, the Montreal Canadiens are excited about a return home for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes on Monday evening.

The best-of-7 series is tied 1-1 after Montreal ended an eight-game winning streak by the Hurricanes to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs with an impressive 6-2 victory in Game 1 on Thursday in Raleigh, N.C.

After winning all three games against the Hurricanes during the regular season and now splitting the first two games of the conference final, the Canadiens feel more self-assured than ever.

"Yeah, we're confident, for sure," Montreal captain Nick Suzuki said. "We're still really confident in what we can do and excited to get back home."

The Canadiens nearly stole Game 2 on Saturday as well, getting the tying goal from Josh Anderson at 12:51 of the third period before Carolina won it 3-2 in overtime.

"Can't wait to get back in front of our fans," Suzuki said. "I know they're definitely amped up to see us back. We've got to take care of home ice. It's great to get a split on the road."

Montreal made some adjustments during the second intermission on Saturday, trying to hold onto the puck as long as possible coming through the neutral zone, rather than the standard dump-and-chase.

That seemed to open up the offense, which produced seven shots on goal in the third period after having just five through the first two periods, with Anderson hitting the net for the tying goal.

Advertisement

"It was definitely better in the third," Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson said. "We'll look to carry that into the third game."

The Hurricanes were able to flush their performance from Game 1 pretty quickly, scoring on the game's first shot of Game 2 at 2:33 of the first period.

"There was a lot to be better at. We were better obviously," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "For the most part of the game, I thought we were pretty in sync with what we needed to do and it showed. We've got to find a way to keep doing it."

Montreal knows what to expect from Carolina.

"They really push the pace," Anderson said. "They defend really hard. Obviously, they had an off night the other night and we expected them to bring their best. It's going to be a good series. It's going to be a long one."

Nikolaj Ehlers also scored twice in Game 2 for the Hurricanes, including the overtime winner.

That gave Ehlers six points (four goals, two assists) in nine playoff games so far this season. He had a career-high seven playoff points with the Winnipeg Jets in 2018 and 2025.

"You have a guy who, you don't have to change your game, but now you add that piece in there and all of a sudden, I think we're more explosive," Brind'Amour said of Ehlers. "He's a guy who can win the game for you and I think that's an important element, especially in a game like this. It's tight and we need that goal and he's got the ability to basically do it himself is what happened. Obviously, that's pretty important."

--Field Level Media

bySator Tenet

in

May 24, 2026

Canadiens in solid position entering Game 3 vs. Hurricanes

With home-ice advantage now in their back pocket, the Montreal Canadiens are excited about a return home for Game 3 of their Eastern Co...

Read More