Each of the episodes of Smoke — a nine-episode crime drama that debuted on Apple TV+ on June 27, 2025 — is a gripping exploration of arson, trauma, and moral ambiguity. Developed by Dennis Lehane and adapted from the Firebug podcast, the series follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton) and detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett) as they search for two serial arsonists through the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Umberland. Featuring a terrific array of characters and a generally cool smoky look, Smoke generates a good deal of interest but does not quite seem to achieve full narrative traction.

Set against a chilling and atmospheric backdrop, the series is a riveting, twisting, and insidious mystery that will have readers on the edge of their seats until the finale. The show explores themes such as guilt, narcissism, and self-deception through the use of fire as a metaphor for moral and emotional decay. It begins as a typical cop show, but evolves into a twisty narrative that challenges expectations, though some plot turns sometimes feel abrupt or underdeveloped.

The ensemble is a highlight. Taron Egerton is excellent as the former firefighter-turned-investigator Dave Gudsen, a man of entangled desires and weaknesses. Jurnee Smollett is right there with him as Michelle Calderon, channeling steely resolve and emotional complexity into a detective wrestling with her own history. Supporting players like Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, who portrays the enigmatic Freddy Fasano, and Greg Kinnear, as the fire chief, are also doing a brilliant job. As a lonely soul in agony, Mwine gives us something frighteningly real.

Smoke is a worthy binge for those who enjoy character-driven crime dramas, tinged by Egerton and Smollett’s riveting performances. Although its sleek execution and psychological richness keep it compelling, the show doesn’t always fulfill the promise of its early episodes, stumbling into an overly repetitive, overly ambitious storytelling scope. Yet, it’s a strong addition to Apple TV+’s expanding roster of prestige dramas, ideal for those who like their mysteries slow-burning and a bit dark.

Smoke is available on Apple TV+. New episodes drop weekly through August 15, 2025.

Last Friday, May 16, Disneyland launched their 70th Anniversary celebrations and we had to check out all the fun. After arriving and settling in at the Disneyland Hotel, we headed straight to the welcome center, which was set up at Disney’s Grand Californian. The welcome center served as a one-stop shop to grab our credentials and tons of great merch – then it was off to California Adventure Park for the new Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

This parade featured many of our favorite characters from Luca, Turning Red, Up, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc, Coco and Toy Story. After the parade we had a few hours until our dinner plans so we headed to Guardians of the Galaxy Breakout ride — which is definitely something you want to do on an empty stomach. The ride features some pretty serious drops, so anyone with motion sickness should be forewarned. That said — we had a ball and are now adding this one to the list of rides we’ll be returning to over and over again for every Disneyland/ California Adventure park trip.

Next stop was the Incredicoaster — which is one of our favorite rollercoasters at ANY park. So much fun and the view of the park from the top is amazing. Pixar Pier is such an incredible feature — but honestly California Adventure Park is just a vibe all its own anyway.

After such satisfying thrills, we were starving so we headed to Downtown Disney District for a quick dinner at Naples Ristorante. The Caesar salad and shrimp penne hit the spot, along with a spicy margarita style cocktail. We’d packed in so much fun already, but there was no time for a nap. Next we headed to check out the Disney Junior: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Show. This one is designed for the kiddos and there is a big carpet where everyone sits as Mickey and Minnie go looking for their friends Goofy and Pluto and bust out some dance moves along the way. There are also some special treats like bubbles and fake snow that make for great entertainment for the little ones in the audience. This was so much fun, but the fun wasn’t done!

There’s nothing like Pixar Pier at night — and we had the perfect viewing spot facing the Mickey Ferris Wheel to watch the new World of Happiness show featuring an intro by the Muppets and appearances from the Inside Out characters. The colorful projection and light show plays out over the bay at the pier, with lights dancing on top of the water and projecting out into the sky. There’s some amazing effects with smoke and fireworks and it’s the perfect way to close out the night.

The following day we had lunch in Downtown Disney at the Vista Parkside Market. We tried so much good food, but the chicken sandwich from GG’s Chicken Shop and the beef dumplings from Seoul Sister were my favorite. We also sampled a butterfly pea flower coconut vanilla slushie called The Monarch from Sip + Sonder, the Black woman owned coffee café there that serves lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites at Parkside Market. Co-founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas were on site answering questions.

“It’s been cool to see the expansion in a space that has such a wide variety of visitors,” Nicholas told Hollywood Melanin about bringing Sip + Sonder to the Downtown Disney District. The venue is their third, with other locations in Inglewood and Downtown Los Angeles.

“It’s a place of joy and that’s so centered in the company’s ethos,” Nicholas added. “Having joy, sharing joys even when there are difficult times, you can infuse joy with family and friends and community, Disneyland and joy go together.”

We can’t wait to go back and try The Hummingbird, Sip + Sonder’s Jamaican Sorrel Slushie.

Once we got properly fueled up it was time to hit Disneyland, where we caught the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, another day-time parade which now features some new characters, before hitting Space Mountain and Indiana Jones for some thrills, we did Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and got soaked!

A little water didn’t stop us from turning up at The Happiest Dinner on Earth over in Fantasyland, where we ran into some of our favorite creators. After dinner we previewed the Tapestry of Happiness projection show and then caught the Paint the Night Parade – so cool – Ariel’s float was our favorite. A trip to Disney is never complete without fireworks and the Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Spectactular at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle was the perfect way to close out.

Thanks for having us Disneyland!

Mara Brock Akil’s highly anticipated series adaptation of Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel ‘Forever’ has officially landed on Netflix. Premiering on May 8, this eight-episode drama reimagines the groundbreaking young adult novel for a new generation, set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles in 2018.

Featuring a stellar cast including Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin Winans III, and Niles Fitch, ‘Forever’ explores the exhilarating and awkward journey of first love through the lens of Black teens. Here’s why this series is a must-watch and how it honors Blume’s legacy while resonating with today’s audiences.

‘Forever,’ A Timeless Love Story, Reimagined

Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’ is a cornerstone of young adult literature, celebrated for its honest portrayal of teenage romance and sexuality. Originally published in 1975, the novel broke barriers with its frank depiction of a young woman’s sexual agency, making it both a beloved classic and a frequent target of censorship. Mara Brock Akil, known for creating television hits like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Being Mary Jane,’ brings her signature authentic storytelling to this adaptation. By setting the series in 2018 Los Angeles and centering Black teens Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), Akil ensures the story feels relevant to modern audiences while preserving the emotional core of Blume’s work.

Akil’s adaptation delves into themes of identity, intimacy, and self-discovery, capturing the rollercoaster of adolescence. As Keisha, a confident track star with big dreams, and Justin, a nerdy athlete with ambitions of his own, navigate their romance, the series highlights the universal joys and challenges of first love. The 2018 setting allows Forever to address contemporary issues like social media and evolving cultural norms, making it a poignant reflection of today’s youth.

A Powerhouse Cast and Creative Team

The series features an impressive ensemble, with Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. delivering standout performances as Keisha and Justin. Additional cast members, including Karen Pittman (The Morning Show), Wood Harris (The Wire), and Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), add depth to the narrative, portraying family and friends who shape the teens’ journey. Marvin Winans III and Niles Fitch round out the cast, bringing nuance to this coming-of-age tale.

Behind the scenes, Akil serves as showrunner and executive producer, joined by Blume herself. Regina King directed the pilot and serves as the series’s executive producer.

Why ‘Forever’ Resonates Today

Forever arrives at a time when authentic representation in media is more critical than ever. Akil’s decision to center the plot around Black teens addresses a gap in mainstream storytelling, offering a narrative where young Black characters are given whole, complex lives. The series’ exploration of self-love as the foundation for lasting relationships adds a layer of emotional depth, resonating with viewers of all ages.