Latest news with #RalphieAversa
NBC News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
'Severance' dominates Emmy nominations with 27 nods
Nominees for the 77th Emmy Awards were announced with the television show "Severance" leading the field with 27 nominations. USA Today host Ralphie Aversa details the nominees and which shows were notably snubbed.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Good Morning America' bids goodbye to Times Square studio. Where's the show going?
'Good Morning America' bids goodbye to Times Square studio. Where's the show going? Show Caption Hide Caption 'NBC Nightly News' anchor Tom Llamas explains why he left ABC News Tom Llamas, the new anchor of "NBC Nightly News," explains to USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa how he became interested in the news. "Good Morning America" is bidding goodbye to its iconic location at Times Square in New York City. The popular morning show, which first began broadcasting from its long-time studio on Sept. 13, 1999 with tennis legend Serena Williams as the first guest, kicked off its final week at the Times Square studio during the June 9 broadcast. Co-anchors Robin Roberts, Ginger Zee, Lara Spencer, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan took a trip down the memory lane as they recalled the years spent at the studio. "I just remember thinking, 'I'm a little girl from Mississippi and I'm working in Times Square.' It's just so majestic," Roberts said. "I mean truly, I pulled up and the stop light on 44th, I just remember looking up and thinking, 'This cannot be my life,'" ABC News chief meteorologist Zee said. As the show begins broadcasting from a new studio next week, here's what we know. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Where is Good Morning America moving to? "Good Morning America" will "embark on a new adventure downtown," the show's website said. The talk show is moving to the Walt Disney Company's new NYC headquarters, named the Robert A. Iger building, located at 7 Hudson Square in downtown Manhattan. This new complex, described as "a collaborative town square," will be "home to news, editorial, live productions, streaming, technology, advertising, corporate, business support functions, and more," Walt Disney said in a December 2024 news release. "The state-of-the-art building encompasses an entire city block and will be a collaborative hub for the company's media, production, and innovation," the news release added. Disney's new campus features three large studios, according to the news release. "Live with Kelly and Mark" and "The View" have already begun broadcasting from the new location. Why is 'Good Morning America' moving? While the show and ABC did not specify why the show was moving, an ABC spokesperson in October 2023 told Deadline the move was part of a larger, "strategic" relocation for all ABC News teams. "'Good Morning America' is defined by the strength of our team in front of and behind the camera, quality of our reporting, and the long, trusted relationship with our viewers," the spokesperson told the media outlet. "Moving all ABC News teams to our new state-of-the-art building was a strategic decision that will allow for more collaboration and innovation." ABC did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for a comment. When will 'GMA' broadcast from new studio? Strahan revealed 'GMA' will begin broadcasting from the new space during the week of June 16. "It never gets old to say 'Good Morning America,'" Roberts said. Spencer added: "This is our home. We are here all the time … I'm gonna miss it so much." Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
They've never had sex — and they're talking about it on TV. How to watch TLC's 'Virgins'
They've never had sex — and they're talking about it on TV. How to watch TLC's 'Virgins' In addition to talking about sex, the show is 'about embracing vulnerability,' according to TLC. Show Caption Hide Caption 'Love Island USA' host Ariana Madix on if she watches 'The Valley' "Love Island USA" host Ariana Madix explains to USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa what it would take to get her back on Bravo reality TV show. A new TLC show is aiming to tackle a historically taboo topic: sex. Or, more specifically, the lack thereof. "Virgins" follows four so-called late bloomers ranging in age from 34-42 as they look to have sex for the first time. In addition to talking about sex, the show is "about embracing vulnerability and pushing past fears where the real climax is confidence, connection, and self-love," according to a release from TLC. The series will show the four cast members "stepping outside their comfort zones and taking big swings to finally go all the way," from going on first dates to attending a bondage class, according to the release. The first season premieres June 9. Here's how to watch. How to watch TLC's 'Virgins' "Virgins" premieres on Monday, June 9 at 9 p.m. EST on TLC. New episodes will air Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on the network, according to its schedule listings. TLC's shows are available to stream on TLC Go and discovery+, though it's unclear whether "Virgins" will be on the platforms. USA TODAY has reached out to TLC. 'Virgins' TLC cast Four people over the age of 30 will be starring on TLC's new show "Virgins." Here's what to know about them, according to their bios: Deanne , 35, is from Los Angeles, California. She is "quick to dismiss any man she meets," according to her cast bio. Through the show, she's looking to let her guard down and be more open to dating. , 35, is from Los Angeles, California. She is "quick to dismiss any man she meets," according to her cast bio. Through the show, she's looking to let her guard down and be more open to dating. A Reading, Pennsylvania, resident, 34-year-old Alex lives in his parents' attic and drives his mom's minivan. His sisters are pushing him to be more independent and be open to dating, according to his cast bio. lives in his parents' attic and drives his mom's minivan. His sisters are pushing him to be more independent and be open to dating, according to his cast bio. On the heels of a divorce and 80 pound weight loss, Rhasha , 42, is reentering the dating scene. The Jacksonville, Florida, resident has been celibate her entire life, including during her marriage, according to her cast bio. , 42, is reentering the dating scene. The Jacksonville, Florida, resident has been celibate her entire life, including during her marriage, according to her cast bio. Sonali, a 37-year-old from Hollywood, California, was raised conservatively as a South Asian woman. With little dating experience, she wants to face fears of intimacy that were instilled in her during her upbringing, according to her cast bio. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Golden Globes to introduce award for best podcast: 'A profound medium'
Golden Globes to introduce award for best podcast: 'A profound medium' Show Caption Hide Caption Which 'Wicked' performer was snubbed of a Golden Globe nomination? Golden Globe Awards nominations are out. USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa runs down a list of who was snubbed at this year's ceremony. Podcasters are taking over the globe — the Golden Globes, to be exact. The annual awards ceremony honoring the best in film and television will introduce a new category for the best podcast of the year, the organization announced on May 7. The best podcast award will debut at January's 2026 Golden Globes, hosted by Nikki Glaser, and consist of six nominees. According to the group, the category will recognize podcasts "that have made a significant impact over the past year," and "the top 25 podcasts will qualify." More detailed information about the eligibility requirements was not immediately available, and the Golden Globes said further details will be announced in the coming weeks. In 2024, Spotify said "The Joe Rogan Experience" was the year's most popular podcast on its platform in the United States, followed by Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" and Theo Von's "This Past Weekend." This marks the third new category to be introduced at the Golden Globe Awards since 2024. The Globes described the move as part of its effort to give a "platform to the full spectrum of entertainment," while Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne said, "As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling." 'Emilia Pérez,' 'The Brutalist' and 'Shōgun': The complete 2025 Golden Globes winners list Hoehne continued, "Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations. By celebrating achievements in both audio and visual podcasts, we aim to honor our heritage categories while making room for new voices and formats to be heard." The Golden Globes previously introduced a pair of new awards in 2024, including for cinematic and box office achievement. This category is meant to honor the year's biggest blockbuster movies, which grossed at least $150 million at the worldwide box office. In the award's inaugural year, the winner was "Barbie," while "Wicked" took the prize in 2025. Winners of the box office achievement category are still eligible for other awards, including best picture. Best dressed at the 2025 Golden Globes: Demi Moore, 'Emilia Pérez' stars and Anna Sawai Starting in 2024, a new award for best stand-up comedy special was also introduced. Comedian Ricky Gervais won the award that year, while Ali Wong received it in January. Glaser is returning as host of the 2026 Golden Globes after making her debut as emcee in January. The event is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2026.
USA Today
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
I stayed at a real-life 'White Lotus' hotel for a weekend. It was nothing like I expected.
I stayed at a real-life 'White Lotus' hotel for a weekend. It was nothing like I expected. Show Caption Hide Caption 'The White Lotus' star reveals why her storyline can be triggering 'The White Lotus' star Michelle Monaghan talks to Ralphie Aversa about how the female friendship story line is so relatable and toxic. WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. − "Welcome to the White Lotus." That's what the employee behind the front desk told me as I checked in. I wasn't really pulling up to a White Lotus, the fictional resort and setting of the hit HBO show of the same name − not exactly. But I was about to stay in the closest thing to it. In honor of the Season 3 finale, which dropped on Max Sunday, HBO took over the Four Seasons Westlake Village in Southern California, decking it out as if it were an actual White Lotus hotel from the show. I'm an avid fan of the series and a wellness enthusiast, so I couldn't pass up an opportunity for a two-night stay. As I headed to my room, I wondered what my experience would bring. Would I discover deep truths about myself, as many characters do? Would someone whisk me onto their yacht − a place where, if "The White Lotus" has taught me anything, nothing good ever seems to happen? Would I accidentally get caught in a murder-revenge plot? (Thankfully, no.) More importantly, I wanted a glimpse into a world that's been on the rise for some time but is now getting spotlighted in a major way, thanks to "The White Lotus": wellness travel. The most recent season of the show centered on a White Lotus resort specifically geared toward wellness − and it's a trend that Henley Vazquez, the CEO and co-founder of the travel agency Fora Travel, says more and more tourists are craving in real life, too. "Something we've seen firsthand is a shift in how people are viewing their vacation time," she says. "People are using their precious vacation days to cure burnout, rest, detox and come home feeling refreshed." Would my White Lotus experience deliver on these things? I was about to find out. 'The White Lotus' and why wellness travel is having a moment right now "The White Lotus" films at Four Seasons properties around the world − with Season 1 in Hawaii, Season 2 in Sicily and Season 3 in Thailand. Westlake Village isn't exactly a far-off destination for me. (It's about an hour away from where I live in Los Angeles, pending traffic.) But it is home to a Four Seasons property catering to wellness. A concierge told me during my stay that this particular Four Seasons is known for its wellness offerings, making it a destination for celebrities and high-profile people in Los Angeles looking for a luxurious staycation. Vazquez says wellness travel has been on the rise in recent years, with interest in these types of vacations usually peaking around January. The trend could be due to more people prioritizing health and wellbeing following the COVID-19 pandemic, but the effect "The White Lotus" has had on travel is also undeniable. Aimee Lou Wood on 'White Lotus' finale: 'There's a lot in that episode that makes me sob' In the five months after Season 2 dropped, Vazquez says, Fora saw an average 44% month-over-month increase in bookings to Sicily. The fallout from Season 3, she says, has been similar: From February to March, travel to Thailand has outpaced all other travel growth on Fora. "With this newest season set in Thailand, the show isn't just entertaining the audience," Vazquez says. "It's convincing them to book their next trip." In Season 3, characters come to the Thailand resort for yoga, massages and medical screenings offering personalized health data. I got to do all these things during my stay. Other attendees at the Four Seasons Westlake Village also got into the spirit of the show. 'White Lotus' finale recap: Rick's tragic blunder, one blender and a $5M payout "Happy White Lotus!" I heard one woman exclaim at dinner to a group sitting at a table on a balcony overlooking a waterfall. "We have zero worries here." Looking out at the California sunset from a nearby table, I found it hard to argue with her. The most impactful wellness activity, however, ended up being one that didn't involve much luxury at all − and it played a critical part in Season 3. It was a meditation class. I checked into a real-life White Lotus for wellness. Here's what I learned On Monday morning, a meditation instructor walked us through some of the core tenets of Buddhism and told us our meditation for the day would focus on the principle of "metta," or "loving-kindness." As we sat cross-legged on cushions in the dark, she asked us to call to mind various people from our lives and to wish health, happiness and safety upon them. She told us to picture someone we love, someone we feel neutral toward and ourselves. She also told us to picture someone we find challenging or difficult to love − and to wish blessings upon them, too. "The White Lotus" may be known for cynicism and biting satire, but I found this meditation sincere and moving. It wasn't just me either. One woman told me it helped center her so she could fully take in the rest of the retreat's offerings. Another guest said tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought of all the love she had for her mother. Ironically, this experience also showed me real wellness isn't something you can buy. Sure, a stay at a fancy hotel is nice. But you don't need to travel around the world to feel gratitude. You don't need a bunch of medical tests to discover all the love you have in your life. As one character puts it in the unforgettable Season 3 finale: "Stop worrying about the love you didn't get. Think about the love you have." If more characters heeded her words, the season would probably have ended differently. Overall, my stay left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. But it also gave me a deeper appreciation for the things in life money can't buy. It's a "White Lotus" lesson that probably wouldn't land with Victoria Ratcliff, but it wasn't lost on me. The reporter on this story received access to these services from the Four Seasons. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
