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Ashley Williams Jokes ‘Downward Spiral of Self-Hatred’ Sparked Hallmark Film

Ashley Williams might look like she has it all together on the outside, but internally her head can be full of insecurities — one of which inspired her two new Hallmark movies.

“I got really sad in an airport one day, and I had an idea for a movie based on sort of my own downward spiral of self-hatred,” Williams, 46, exclusively told Us Weekly, before laughing about how the concept for To Barcelona, With Love and To Barcelona, Forever, came about.

She explained, “I had this idea for about like a writer who, you know, she’s a terrible writer, but the person who translates her book into a different language [then] rewrites it and makes it an actually good book.” (This is the premise for To Barcelona, With Love premieres on Hallmark Channel Saturday, June 7.)

Williams joked, “That would be the only way that I would ever be a successful writer is if somebody rewrote what I wrote into an actually good book. That was literally my thought.”

What's It Take to Make a Hallmark Movie in Europe? Alison, Ashley Tell All

The actress recalled, “I was like, ‘Oh, that’s kind of not a bad idea for, like, a rom-com,” and eventually pitched it to Julie Sherman Wolfe, who is a writer for Hallmark.

Sherman Wolfe pointed out that they needed another Hallmark star to “speaks a different language” to make it work. “Right then Alison Sweeney walked by and I said, ‘Hey, Ali, do you speak another language?’ And she said, ‘Spanish,’” Williams told Us. “And I turned to Julie, and I said, ‘So the movie takes place in Barcelona.’ And that is how the idea came about.”

Ashley Williams Jokes About Downward Spiral Barcelona Hallmark Movies 3
Manu Sevillano/Hallmark Media

After a successful pitch, both Williams and Sweeney, 48, signed on to play writer Anna and translator Erica, respectively. The excitement, however, wasn’t over, because Sherman Wolfe liked the idea so much, she asked the actresses to figure out how to make it into two movies.

Watch Ashley Williams Go Full Drama Queen in Surprise 'Hannah Swensen' Cameo

“We were really picky about the second movie because, of course, now there’s a lot of extra stress with that, like, making sure it’s different, making sure it’s really its own story,” Sweeney exclusively told Us, confessing she “hates” sequels so she didn’t want To Barcelona, Forever, which premieres on Saturday, June 14, to feel like one.

Sweeney noted that the first installment is about Erica (her character) and Anna’s “friendship” being introduced through miscommunication and a hilarious book debacle they find themselves in.

Ashley Williams Jokes About Downward Spiral Barcelona Hallmark Movies 2
Manu Sevillano/Hallmark Media

The second film is more about Anna’s (Williams) next steps after realizing that maybe her creative passions lie somewhere other than writing romance novels.

“At the end of the first movie, Anna is a completely different person who now is ready for what happens in the second movie,” Williams teased. “There does end up being a love story that, you know, is something completely different from what Anna could have ever considered.”

How Ashley Williams’ ‘Falling Together’ Pays Tribute Her Mom — And Hallmark

Williams explained to Us that To Barcelona, With Love is about a “misunderstanding” while To Barcelona, Forever is also about a misunderstanding with “some very well-intentioned deception” with an “incredibly, tall, handsome Spaniard” thrown in for good measure.

“Having lived through this crazy hijinks of a situation, like, then what happens to these women?” Sweeney asked. “What, what do they do? What do they learn from [the first movie] that they carry forward?”

Ashley Williams Jokes About Downward Spiral Barcelona Hallmark Movies
Manu Sevillano/Hallmark Media

She promised To Barcelona, Forever “very much gives you that next chapter of their lives to enjoy and with the lessons they learned, but maybe some more lessons to learn too.”

To Barcelona, With Love premieres on Hallmark Channel Saturday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET. To Barcelona, Forever, follows on Saturday, June 14, at the same time.

© Manu Sevillano/Hallmark Media

Ginny & Georgia's Ginny Tries to Self-Harm, CPS Takes Georgia's Kids Away

As a result of Georgia’s murder trial going viral, Ginny almost relapsed with her self-harm before Child Protective Services stepped in and took her — and Austin — away on Ginny & Georgia.

During the fifth episode of season 3, which premiered on Thursday, June 5, Georgia (Brianne Howey) could no longer hide the suspicious deaths of her first and second husband. The accusations that she was a serial killer made her trial go viral, which created excessive public attention around her, Ginny (Antonia Gentry) and Austin (Diesel La Torraca).

Georgia’s marriage to Paul (Scott Porter) fell apart as he questioned her past. He ultimately left the house despite Austin asking him to stay. In the courtroom, Georgia’s lawyer got Gabriel’s (Alex Mallari Jr.) testimony to be deemed inadmissible but it was too late. By the end of the episode, CPS stepped in to take Ginny and Austin out of the home due to a tip from Zion (Nathan Mitchell) and Gil (Aaron Ashmore).

Ginny, meanwhile, tried to not let the interest in her mother’s case affect her. But very quickly she was punching Press (Damian Romeo) for joking about her being a serial killer, sneaking out of school to go on a date with Wolfe (Ty Doran) and nearly self-harming. Georgia stepped in before Ginny could hurt herself (after seeing her poem from season 2 about Georgia gaining views on social media).

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As Ginny was dealing with the fallout of the trial, her friends took a step back from supporting her. She also shared an awkward moment with Marcus (Felix Mallard), who saw her kissing Wolfe.

Ginny and Georgia
Netflix © 2025

The flashbacks from this episode hinted at Georgia’s shoplifting past when she took Ginny out of school as a child so they could go shopping.

Ginny & Georgia, which returned after more than two years, picked up after Georgia was arrested on her and Paul’s wedding day for the murder of fellow Wellsbury resident Cynthia’s husband. Georgia previously killed Cynthia’s terminally ill husband after learning Cynthia blocked Austin’s dad Gil’s application to move to Wellsbury.

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Before the hit series returned to Netflix, Howey, 35, reflected on how becoming a mother to her daughter, whom she shares with husband Matt Ziering, allowed her to understand Georgia better.

“Having my own daughter going through these scenes … meant so much more in a new way,” she exclusively told Us Weekly in February. “The more personal you make the work, the more universal it becomes, and the writing, the story, the nuance, it’s so personal to everybody involved and it seems to be making waves. No matter what walk of life you come from, there seems to be a character that you feel like you can really relate to and that you want to go on this journey with them.”

Ginny & Georgia is currently streaming on Netflix.

© Netflix © 2025

Amazon's 8 Most Wished For Summer Pants and Shorts Are Under $40

The days are getting hotter, and it’s time to start slipping into those lightweight, summer-centric pants and shorts to keep things cool and comfortable all season long. Lucky for Us, shopping from Amazon’s ‘Most Wished For’ items make it easy to find fashionable, budget-friendly pieces without the hassle.

Indeed, you don’t have to break the bank stocking up on new shorts and pants this summer because many of Amazon’s most wished for seasonal pants and shorts are under $40! Whether you want to keep things casual and pared down or make a statement with bold colors and flashy designs, Amazon features a wide range of styles to fit your exact summer vibe.

From athletic wear to classic denim shorts, these 8 affordable and on-trend pieces from Amazon’s ‘Most Wished For’ items are perfect for upgrading your summer wardrobe without putting your budget in a bind.

Amazon’s Most Wished for Shorts and Pants

Loose Pants

1. Our Favorite: These cream white wide-leg jeans have that certain je ne sais quoi! Everything from the stretchy, figure-flattering fit, lightweight material and slimming high-waist design make this a wardrobe staple you’ll reach for all summer long.

2. Wear Everywhere: Looking for breezy pants that are both stylish and comfortable? You’ve found them with these high-waisted palazzo pants that you can dress up or dress down no matter the occasion.

3. Comfy Chic: Amazon shoppers are obsessed with these comfy wide-leg pants! The lightweight, loose linen and cotton pants look great on every shape and size, so why not be sensible and splurge on multiple colors?

21 Loose, Breathable Pants I'm Wearing Instead of Shorts — All Under $25

4. Lazing About: Who says baggy can’t be beautiful? These loose ankle-length pants are a stylish twist on loungewear, with a relaxed fit that’s perfect for running errands or keeping it cute and casual at home.

5. Work It: These tailored straight-leg trousers bring a modern twist to traditional workwear, featuring a ridiculously comfortable fit that’s perfect for long days at the office.

Breezy Shorts

6. Run With Flair: Talk about fitness with some femininity! These breezy butterfly shorts have a ton of breathability and feature a flowy, fun design that’s perfect for yoga, running or just lounging in style.

7. Luxe For Less: These quick-drying running shorts have an astounding 75% 5-star review rating and are very similar to pairs that sell for three times the price.

8. Summer Staple: Distressed denim shorts are a summer essential, and these flirty Levi’s are a total winner!

17 Loose Spring Shorts That Are More Flattering Than Denim Pairs

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© Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Why Kevin James 'Ruined' Leah Remini for Future Shows After 'King of Queens'

Leah Remini and Kevin James made sitcom history with their dynamic on The King of Queens — but was there a downside to the show?

In her Us Weekly cover story, Remini, 54, confirmed she is “always” in touch with James, 60, years after they played love interests on the hit series, saying, “We talk all the time. He’s the real deal.”

Remini noted that working with James affected other shows she has worked on.

“He kind of ruined me for future projects. I loved working with Kevin so much,” she added. “I’ve said that a thousand times but he really did ruin me because he’s the perfect leading man for me.”

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The King of Queens, which ran from 1998 to 2007, followed a working-class couple that lived in Queens. In addition to Remini and James, The King of Queens also starred Jerry Stiller, Victor Williams, Patton Oswalt), Larry Romano, Gary Valentine and Nicole Sullivan.

Leah Remini Explains Why Kevin James
CBS / Courtesy: Everett Collection

After making Us root for Carrie and Doug, Remini and James waited nearly a decade before reuniting on his sitcom Kevin Can Wait. The CBS series aired from 2016 to 2018 and introduced James as a recently retired police officer who became a single dad to three kids after his wife (played by Erinn Hayes) died ahead of season 2. (Remini, for her part, was introduced as his partner at the police force after he returned to work.)

“There is nobody I have worked with or ever will work with that will match what she did,” James told TVInsider in September 2024. “It doesn’t matter what I do, I’ll have fun working with other people, but there’s nothing like what I had with Leah in that way. That comfort and laughing my ass off just the whole time.”

Reboots and Revivals Missing Beloved TV Stars

James called Remini “family,” adding, “We just have that relationship and a connection.” Despite their bond, Remini explained to Us why neither of them were in a rush to reboot The King of Queens.

“I would consider it. But they’d have to really present a way to represent Jerry,” she said to Us about actor Jerry Stiller, who died in 2020. “Because it would be hard to say yes without something meaningful.”

Remini admitted she wasn’t sure about revisiting that world.

“Not just in memory of Jerry Stiller. It would be hard to do a show like that without him,” she continued. “To me in memory, it wouldn’t be enough. You would have to really think of something to represent Jerry. Because he was such a big part of this. There’s no The King of Queens without him.”

For more on Leah Remini, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.

© CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

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Meghan Markle’s Secret to Looking Effortlessly Chic? These 13 Button-Downs

If there’s one shirt that’s at the cornerstone of Meghan Markle’s effortlessly refined wardrobe . . . it’s a button-down blouse. From breezy beach styles to chic denim picks, it seems the Duchess of Sussex reaches for a button-down for about every other outfit. And while she wears them all year long, her picks especially shine once the summer sun hits.

Whether you’re looking for a few new summer styles or are doing a full wardrobe overhaul, these 13 picks channel Markle’s polished aesthetic seamlessly. We found everything from this top loose and airy top that looks similar to the one she wore here and this chic sleeveless pick that looks like this one she wore last summer.

13 Breezy Button-Downs to Channel Meghan Markle’s Look

1. Our Favorite: This collared button-down blouse looks like a style Markle would wear while outside picking vegetables at her Montecito home.

2. Breezy Beauty: Channel California rich mom vibes with this oversized collared button-down that’s basically the definition of beachy elegance.

3. Darling Denim: Not only does Markle love a denim button-down, like this pick, so does Martha Stewart.

4. Bestseller: We can see Markle pairing this bestselling striped button-down with classic jeans or linen pants.

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5. Gorgeous Gingham: Perfect for park picnics is this gingham long-sleeve top that’s ultra breathable and made of 100% breathable cotton.

6. Chic Short-Sleeve: Great for hot summer days in the office, this collared short-sleeve top provides both a tailored look and breathable fabric.

7. Stylish Stripes: Markle has wears tops similar to this preppy striped style that has an effortless, oversized fit.

17 Loose and Airy Linen Dresses That Channel Hamptons Boutique Energy

8. Wrinkle-Resistant: Stop worrying about constant ironing thanks to this wrinkle-resistant top that’ll be easy to grab and go.

9. Sleeveless Stunner: Add an extra level of class to summer outfits with this chic sleeveless pick that we bet Markle would add to her closet.

10. Pretty Puff Sleeve: Give your look a feminine flair with this lantern-sleeve button-up,  which also happens to be long enough to cover the belly.

11. Top-Rated: Over 3,300 Amazon shoppers gave this short-sleeve dress top their stamp of approval . . . and it’s now on sale for $26.

12. Try It Tailored: Need something a little more office-friendly? This slim-fit poplin top looks extra elevated.

13. Ravishing Ruffles: Made for cocktails on the patio with friends, this ruffle-detail button-up brings a casual elegance to jeans, skirts and more.

14. Easy Elegance: Done with boring and basic solid prints? This sleeveless collared top comes in several different styles, including striped and floral.

15. Waist Slimming: Slim down the look of your waist with this drawstring button-down that customizes the fit.

16. Quiet Luxury: Over 1,000 shoppers purchased this quiet luxury-style top within the last month due to its expensive-looking tailoring, soft fabric and striped aesthetic.

17. Luxe Lace: Bring some vintage charm to your wardrobe with this dressy lace blouse that immediately upgrades any look.

19 Boutique-Like Boho Dresses You'd Probably Find in a French Woman's Closet

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© Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

'Ballerina' Rules! Watch These 3 Action Movies After the John Wick Spinoff

In 2021, Ana de Armas blew us away with her action moves in No Time to Die. This weekend, Armas is finally getting to headline her own action movie, Ballerina, a John Wick spinoff that even features Keanu Reeves.

Unsurprisingly, Ballerina delivers all of the action we could have ever wanted, and Armas seems poised for even greater stardom.

If you liked Ballerina, then you’re going to love these three action movies after watching the John Wick spinoff.

The connecting theme of this list is that all three movies feature female action heroes. And it’s a positive sign for the genre that we didn’t have to look far to find these films.

9 Must-See Action Movies on Netflix Right Now (May 2025)

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

If we were ranking Charlize Theron‘s action films, then Atomic Blonde would be pretty high on the list. In this late Cold War spy action thriller, Theron plays Lorraine Broughton, an M16 on a mission to East Germany to recover stolen intelligence from the men who murdered another agent.

Most of the fights that Lorraine has in this movie are with men, and they are absolutely brutal. One of the reasons why Atomic Blonde stands out is that Lorraine pays a physical price for all of the hand-to-hand battles she’s in. This may be a very stylized film, but the action is top-notch.

Atomic Blonde is available for rent or purchase at Prime Video.

‘Peppermint’ (2018)

Jennifer Garner had her John Wick moment in Peppermint, and all of her action experience from Alias and even Daredevil and Elektra probably helped prepare her for this. Garner plays Riley North, a banker who is happily married to Chris (Jeff Hephner) and proudly raising their daughter, Carly (Cailey Fleming). When a drug lord named Diego Garcia (Juan Pablo Raba) sends out a hit on Chris for something he didn’t even do, only Riley is left alive.

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When Diego escapes justice, Riley vows revenge for the loss of her husband and child. And she’s willing to take a destructive journey over several years just to settle the score.

Peppermint is streaming on AMC+.

‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ (1996)

Genna Davis wasn’t the first female action star, but she was definitely a pioneer in The Long Kiss Goodnight. The film was written by Shane Black, so of course it takes place during Christmas. Davis plays Samantha Caine, but she knows full well that isn’t her real name. Eight years ago, Samantha was found badly injured and she never regained her memory.

None of the private investigators that Samantha hires can tell her who she really is. So she finds a life for herself as a school teacher and the wife of Hal (Tom Amandes), and as the mother of Caitlin (Yvonne Zima). One Christmas, private investigator Mitch Henessey (Samuel L. Jackson) finally finds a lead about Samantha. And he’s not the only one, because Samantha’s enemies are also close to tracking her down.

The Long Kiss Goodnight is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

© Larry D. Horricks/Lionsgate

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