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‘Paradise’ Creator Dan Fogelman Lied to Disney to Get Sinatra’s Julianne Nicholson on the Show

Mandi Kerr — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Paradise creator Dan Fogelman has a confession to make. He lied—OK, it was more like a white lie—to get Julianne Nicholson (fans know her as Sinatra) on his new post-apocalyptic thriller Hulu series. What he lied to Disney about and how it all started with a “screw-up.”

Fogelman ‘really wanted’ Nicholson to play Sinatra on ‘Paradise’

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Fogelman shared how ever since Paradise started he had Nicholson, 53, in mind for the role of Samantha Redmond, or Sinatra. She’s the person behind the bunker in the Colorado mountains who quietly wields power over Sterling K. Brown’s Agent Xavier Collins and the community’s 25,000 residents.

“She was somebody I wanted from the very beginning. I’d admired her from afar,” Fogelman said of Nicholson. “I didn’t want Sinatra to be like a mustache-twirling villain. I wanted her to be softer. But also quietly commanding. I really wanted Julianne and we Zoomed, I sent her the scripts, and we hit it off. I thought she wanted to do it, and then I got word that she did, and I was so excited.”

Alas, a “screw-up in communication” ensued and “the dates weren’t going to work” because Nicholson would be working on another project. That didn’t stop Fogelman. He “moved heaven and earth,” attempting to rearrange the shooting schedule with no luck.

“There was too much overlap. Eventually, I received the call, like, ‘You have to move on,’” Fogelman recalled, saying he “was devastated.”

Fogelman lied about needing to prep ‘Paradise’ longer so Nicholson could be on the show

Dan Fogelman, Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, and James Marsden | Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

So what exactly did Fogelman lie about? Needing more time to prep. “I’m saying it now, because it looks like the show might be moderately successful, so no one will care,” he said. “But I actually lied to the people at the studio [20th Television, which Disney owns] and I said: ‘We’re not ready to make the show. We need more time in prep,’ which cost a lot of money to extend prep.”

That, he explained, gave Nicholson just enough time to finish a project and start Paradise. “I made it [seem] about 12 different things,” he explained. “But that allowed for us to delay starting shooting, and allowed Julianne to be free. Now, obviously, everyone’s so glad we did it. I lied to Disney to buy a couple of weeks of time for Julianne Nicholson.”

Julianne Nicholson ‘gasped’ reading the episode scripts for ‘Paradise’

There’s a lot of love within the Paradise team. Fogelman’s admiration for Nicholson runs deep and she couldn’t put down the scripts once she picked them up.

Speaking to CBR, Nicholson shared that she read the scripts for episodes 1-4 in a day, something she “never” does, following Fogelman’s twists and turns in the story.

“I gasped throughout the reading of every single episode. I always thought that I was one step ahead of Dan Fogelman, our brilliant writer, and then I would every time [get] it wrong,” she said.

“And that was the exciting thing—you just wanted to read the next episode. Read the next episode. I never do that; I don’t have time. I can’t give you three and a half hours in one sitting. But I read the first four, all they sent me, I just read the first day.”

Watch Paradise on Hulu. New episodes drop weekly.

‘Paradise’ Star James Marsden Would ‘Love’ to Reprise Cal Bradford Role in Season 2

Mandi Kerr — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 02:45:00 +0000

Back to Paradise. James Marsden wants to return for a potential Paradise Season 2. The only problem? The TV show started with the death of his character, President Cal Bradford. But the actor’s been in a similar situation before only to come back.

James Marsden’s character is found dead in the first episode of ‘Paradise’

James Marsden in ‘Paradise’ Season 1 | Brian Roedel/Disney

The Paradise premiere started with the president (Marsden) being found dead in his home by Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown). An investigation quickly began as Xavier searched for answers and thought back on his relationship with Cal courtesy of flashbacks.

The trailer (above) put Paradise in the political thriller genre. Thanks to a big twist from creator and writer Dan Fogelman, however, viewers learned at the end of the episode that Cal’s death was part of a much larger story. Everyone in the picturesque town lived in a bunker underneath the mountains in Colorado, meaning whoever killed Cal was one of Paradise’s 25,000 residents.

Marsden doesn’t know how it ‘would work’ but he’d ‘love’ to return to ‘Paradise’

Just because Cal died on the show doesn’t mean the door is forever closed on Marsden’s return. Speaking to TheWrap, the 51-year-old actor shared that he’d “love” to come back to Paradise.

“I love this group, everything they do,” he said. “I’m finding myself in the same situation as Dead To Me, which is, hey, I know I’m supposed to be around for one season, but how do we get to continue this party?”

Similar to Paradise, Marsden’s character on the Netflix series met an early death. However, he later returned as a twin.

“I’d love to. I love [creator] Dan [Fogelman]. I love his writing,” Marsden continued. “Everybody on set is a kind human being that’s super talented, [and at the] top of their game.”

“I would love to do it again,” he added. “I don’t know how that would work, but [am] open to the suggestions.” Maybe Cal has a twin brother viewers have yet to see. Or someone who looks remarkably like him finds their way to the bunker in Colorado from the seemingly decimated world above?

‘Paradise’ Season 2 is coming soon

On Feb. 21, Hulu announced it greenlit Paradise for a sophomore season. The response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive since it premiered in January 2025.

Fogelman didn’t intend for the story to end so soon. He reportedly has a three-season story in mind for the show (via Variety). The series creator has also talked about working on Paradise Season 2, telling Variety he wants the next installment to premiere “at least within a year” of the season 1 finale. (The final episode of the season is set to air in March 2025.)

Asked about plans for season 2, Fogelman told the outlet that it’s almost completely done being written. “We have almost the whole season broken, and almost written now,” he said. “The fundamental problem in streaming is these shows that people get hooked on then go off the air for two and a half years. And so my goal is to have this thing back on television at least within a year.”

Watch Paradise on Hulu. A new episode begins streaming every Tuesday.

Hallmark and ‘Ugly Betty’ Actor Eric Mabius Arrested in Florida

Megan Elliott — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:28:43 +0000

Actor Eric Mabius, known for his roles in Hallmark Channel movies and on ABC’s Ugly Betty, has been arrested in Florida.

The Signed, Sealed, Delivered star, 53, was taken into custody shortly after 2 a.m. on Feb 20 by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with battery and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, both misdemeanors. In his mugshot, Mabius appears to have an injury near one of his eyes.

Eric Mabius Mugshot | Nassau County Sheriff’s Office

According to First Coast News, Mabius was involved in an altercation with a female patron at a bar in Yulee. He allegedly knocked her to the ground and began pulling out fistfuls of her hair before a bystander intervened.

Mabius portrayed Daniel Meade in all four seasons of Ugly Betty. More recently, he has starred in Hallmark’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered TV series and film franchise, which follows a group of postal employees at the dead letter office who work to reunite undelivered mail with its intended recipients. Mabius has appeared in all 14 Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies, as well as a single-season TV series featuring the characters. The most recent movie in the series aired in July 2024. His other credits include Chicago Fire, The L Word, The OC, Welcome to the Dollhouse, and The Crow: Salvation.

Mabius married Ivy Sherman in 2006. The couple divorced in 2018. They have two children.

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Chelsea Handler Explains Why She Isn’t the Marriage Type

Antonio Stallings — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 04:46:00 +0000

Comedian Chelsea Handler has been willing to keep an open mind about relationships in the past. However, she might not be as open to the idea of marriage. In a recent interview, Handler revealed why she doesn’t see herself walking down the aisle.

Chelsea Handler wants more than 1 love story

Chelsea Handler | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Handler’s dating history has shown that her taste in men can vary. Some of her high-profile exes include Comcast CEO Ted Harbert, 50 Cent, and Jo Koy. Handler’s relationship with Koy might’ve been more special than her other romantic flings. Even she was convinced that Koy was her soulmate after the long-time friends turned into lovers back in 2020.

“For everyone who is still looking for their person, do not adjust who you are or make yourself smaller to find them. Be patient and never settle for anything less than you deserve. Your person is coming and sometimes—they’ve been standing in front of you the whole time,” Handler once posted on social media according to People.

But their relationship would end in July, 2022, proving they weren’t endgame after all. Handler recently provided a little update on her dating life since her and Koy’s break-up. Although she’s still on the dating scene, she’s opted to keep her relationships much more private than she did before. Keeping her boyfriends out of the spotlight might be one of the perks of dating real people instead of celebrities. Additionally, she doesn’t see herself settling down with one partner anymore, either.

“Dating is wonderful,” she told Us Weekly. “I understand now what kind of dater I am, and this is what I am: I want lovers all around the world. I’m not a liar. I will be very honest and upfront with anyone I’m dating that you may not be the only one, and if you need to know, I’ll let you know, but hopefully you don’t need to ask any further questions.”

Her approach to dating would pose a problem for perhaps marrying someone in the long-term one day. But marriage isn’t something that Handler is worried about.

“I’m not the marrying kind. I am not looking for children. I just want to have lots of love stories. I feel like that’s the most romantic way to look at love. And I’m glad I know that about myself because I think so many women are starting to be more open about [the fact that] this Prince Charming nonsense we’re sold is so silly,” she said.

The only time Chelsea Handler changed her mind about marriage

Handler’s stance on marriage isn’t new. She’s had the same feelings on the concept for years. In a 2014 interview with Gwyneth Paltrow (via ABC News), Handler echoed similar words that her 50-year-old self would in 2025.

“Now I’m just like, the person that’s not getting married so I like it and I think it’s a good example to not have that be part of your identity,” Handler said. “The truth of the matter is, I don’t really know how to balance a relationship and my life. I’ve never been able to really do that.”

But there was a point in time when Handler’s thoughts on marriage wavered.

“I never understood why people would want to get married. To me, marriage always encompassed a huge wedding and a huge reception and a commitment lumped together. But I realize now that you can be committed to someone without that commercialization and all that nonsense,” Handler once told People (via ABC News) in a new interview. “So now I’d get married.”

But she quipped at the time that she was ironically having this change of heart when she was lacking prospects.

“Now that I’m single and have no viable options,” she noted.

‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Blasts Former Classmate Matt Gaetz: ‘That Motherf***er’

Megan Elliott — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 02:09:52 +0000

Reacher star Alan Ritchson isn’t mincing words when it comes to his former classmate, Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Ritchson spoke to GQ ahead of the season 3 premiere of his Prime Video action-drama series. He touched on crossing paths with the controversial Republican politician in Niceville, Florida, where both attended school when they were growing up. It’s clear Gaetz did not leave a favorable impression on Ritchson.

Alan Ritchson on Matt Gaetz: ‘Not a good dude’

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz speaks during the 2024 Republican National Convention | John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune

On Reacher, Ritchson plays Jack Reacher, a former military police officer turned vigilante drifter. In the show, Reacher doesn’t hesitate to use violence to take out criminals and other assorted bad guys. In real life, he admits to feuding with Gaetz and says he’s considering taking him and similar politicians on – at the ballot box.

“That motherf***er. We are adversaries,” Ritchson said. “It’s shocking to me that the panhandle of Florida continues to vote for somebody – knowing everything we know about him and the promises that he’s made behind closed doors about pardoning certain criminals – he’s just not a good dude!”

“There’s part of me that wants to get into politics to outdo somebody like him for good, and there’s part of me that’s like, I’m not duplicitous enough to succeed in politics,” Ritchson went on to say. “There are certain people that do a good job of staying true to who they are, but they’re ineffective. I think Bernie Sanders is a hero. But it’s like, what has he accomplished?”

Gaetz has represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2016. He’s been embroiled in various scandals over the years, including being accused of paying for sex with an underage girl. A House Ethics Committee report released in December 2024 found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz had paid “tens of thousands of dollars” to women, including a 17-year-old, “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use,” the BBC reported. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.

The ‘Reacher’ star says he’s not the character he plays on TV

It’s not unusual for audiences to draw parallels between actors and the characters they play. But Ritchson stressed that he and Jack Reacher are not the same, whatever people might assume.

“People have this weird relationship with fictional characters, and sort of equate that to the real human being,” the actor, who is Christian and posts videos about his faith on his YouTube channel, said. “I don’t have that problem, making that distinction. I get criticized a lot by Christians who are like, ‘How dare you have an unmarried sex scene on TV and then talk about Jesus?’ I’m sorry — I doubt that’s going to be part of the conversation when I’m standing at the pearly gates!”

Reacher Season 3 premieres Feb. 20 on Prime Video.

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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds ‘Have No Regrets’ About Going to the ‘SNL50’ Anniversary Special

Mandi Kerr — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:35:00 +0000

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds reportedly “have no regrets” about their night at SNL50: The Anniversary Special amid their ongoing legal drama. They’re said to be “glad they showed up.” However, the appearance could lead to yet more legal drama.

Blake and Ryan walked their first red carpet since the Justin Baldoni legal drama began

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively | Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

It’s back to the red carpet for the Deadpool star and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants alum. Reynolds, 48, and Lively, 37, were among many stars celebrating 50 years of Saturday Night Live in New York on Feb. 16, 2025. They walked the red carpet together, posing for cameras and smiling. (He wore a tuxedo. She a silver gown by Tamara Ralph.)

It marked their first red carpet appearance together since Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us director and co-star, in late 2024.

Reynolds and Lively are ‘glad they showed up’ to the ‘Saturday Night Live’ event

Speaking to Page Six, an insider said the pair, who have been married since 2012 and share four children, “should have sat this one out.” Another shared that Lively and Reynolds don’t regret their night out.

“Blake and Ryan have no regrets about making an appearance. And they’re glad they showed up because they have nothing to hide and no reason not to,” the source said. “Blake and Ryan were two of the last people to leave Studio 8H where ‘SNL’ is filmed. They walked out with Paul McCartney and his wife. And a bunch of crew members asked to take pictures with Ryan which he happily did.”

The insider added that Lively “was initially hesitant to attend the anniversary show. But ultimately she’s glad she went and had a really nice time.”

Reynolds’ joke on the ‘SNL50’ anniversary special could lead to more legal drama

Part of Lively and Reynolds’ appearance at SNL’s anniversary special included a nod to their very public legal drama with Baldoni. Reynolds made a thinly veiled reference to Baldoni and the ongoing lawsuits in a Q&A skit with SNL alums Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.

“Ryan Reynolds, how’s it going?” Poehler asked the 48-year-old as Lively sat nearby. “Great,” he said before pausing to add, “Why, what have you heard?” seemingly referencing the legal battle.

A source told the outlet Baldoni, whom Lively accused of sexual harassment and waging a smear campaign against her, may take legal action when it comes to Reynolds’ comments.

“It’s very plausible that Justin’s legal team will use this public outing to defend Baldoni,” an insider said. “Justin is taking this lawsuit in all seriousness and isn’t making a public mockery out of it.”

Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman shared his thoughts on Reynolds’ joke in a Feb. 17, 2025, interview on Hot Mics with Billy Bush. “I’m unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation,” Freedman said. “I can’t think of anyone who’s done anything like that. So it surprised me.”

Lively and Baldoni’s trial date is set for March 9, 2026. However, a judge has told their respective legal teams it could get moved up if they say anything in the media that could taint a potential jury.

Denzel Washington Once Shared His Son Convinced Him to Do Some ‘Awful’ Movies

Antonio Stallings — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:47:00 +0000

Actor Denzel Washington has starred in several critically acclaimed and high-grossing movies. But not every movie in his filmography could be a smash hit. In fact, he did a few bad films after listening to his son John David.

John David Washington balanced out Denzel Washington’s awful films by recommending two of his father’s best movies

John David Washington and Denzel Washington | Dave Benett/Getty Images

Having children affected Washington’s work in more ways than one. In an interview with The New York Times, the Oscar-winner briefly touched on how he had to consider his children’s situation when considering what films to do.

“Yeah, it changed my perspective. Like, shoot, they’ve got to go where to school? It costs how much? How much do clothes cost? Yeah, it changed everything,” he said.

But there were a few times when one of Washington’s kids helped him decide what film to star in more directly. John David, who’s become quite a successful actor himself, took an interest in his father’s craft at a young age. So much so Washington admitted that John David convinced him to play bad guys in some of Washington’s earlier features.

But on the flip side, there were other films Washington did because of John David that he might’ve been better off without. Speaking with Parade, Washington revealed that he collaborated with John David for The Book of Eli. It was one of three movies John David did with Washington to start his career. But John David’s recommendations didn’t always turn out well for his father.

“My son, who is a very spiritual young man and also a co-producer, said, ‘Dad, you gotta really think about this one.’ Two other films he convinced me to do were awful, but that was balanced when he steered me to Training Day and American Gangster. I guess he was a little less spiritual then,” he said.

John David Washington considered his father the greatest actor in the industry

John David would later prove he was much more than just the kid of a celebrity. Following in his father’s footsteps, he would develop a respectable acting career himself. But John David confided that he didn’t expect to surpass Washington’s own legacy. Despite starring in a few critically acclaimed projects himself like Tenet and BlackKklansman, he felt his father’s shadow was just too big.

“I don’t see it as a reality for me,” he once said on CBS Sunday Morning. “He’s larger than life. So no, I don’t think of it that way. I can’t.”

The fact that John David saw his father as the best actor in the film industry might’ve made Washington’s shoes even more daunting to fill.

“I think the best actor in the industry, in the business, is my father,” he once said in an interview with People. “I’m inspired by the kind of career he’s had and what he’s had to do. Again, he’s been on the frontline for many years and what he’s done with it, with his opportunities, I just am so inspired and continue to be inspired by what he does and how he works and his approach to the craft and the business.”

Additionally, John David once also shared what his favorite Washington performance was. It wasn’t in a movie that his father did, however. Instead, it was in a play.

“Richard III. I saw my father on stage for the first time,” John David said on American Masters: Creative Spark. “I was a kid. It was like a magic trick because he didn’t talk like that at the house. And then he just got on stage and transformed into another being with these words. I remember he would walk me around the city when he was doing it and cite the lines, and I always used to giggle. He said I used to love the lines. ‘Now is the winter of our discontent.’ I never knew what that meant, but I just knew those words, and I thought it was so cool. I just thought it was magical.”

Tika Sumpter Turns Heads in a Daring Plunging Gown at the American Black Film Festival

Ali Hicks — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:17:19 +0000

Tika Sumpter has graced Hollywood with her gorgeous presence since the early 2000s. The New York native rose to mainstream fame as Candace in Tyler Perry’s hit drama The Haves and the Have Nots. Since then, she’s showcased her versatility in TV and film, including her role as Maddie Wachowski in the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise.

Now 44 years old, Sumpter attends red carpet events while balancing her professional and personal life. Recently, she turned heads in a plunging gown at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).

Tika Sumpter at the seventh annual American Black Film Festival Honors on February 17, 2025 | Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

The ABFF empowers Black artists and showcases film and TV content by and about people of African descent. The annual event’s mission is to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry — something Sumpter is passionate about. This year, the ABFF honored the acting careers of Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian) and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard). Keke Palmer received the Rising Star Award.

Tika Sumpter at SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 |

Sumpter graced the red carpet with one of her most stunning looks yet. Celebrity stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald styled the Ride Along actor for the formal night out. Rising to fame by styling stars like Mary J. Blige and Regina Hall, the LA-based duo is known for edgy, statement-making outfits. Their ensembles consistently land celebs like Tessa Thompson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Keke Palmer on “best dressed” lists.

Tika Sumpter at the seventh annual American Black Film Festival Honors | Kayla Oaddams/WireImage; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

For Sumpter’s ABFF look, Bannerman and McDonald opted for a stunning Rhea Costa gown draped in a jersey-like black fabric. They added gold Giuseppe Zanotti heels and gold earrings, bracelets, and rings by MISHO and FKA. The style duo posted a steamy Instagram video of Sumpter modeling her look pre-festival. Fans commented, “Wow. You guys are perfect. She’s perfect. Just a perfect collab.” Another wrote, “I think people sleep on how stunninggggg this woman is.”

Tika Sumpter’s accessories at the 2025 American Black Film Festival Honors | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Sumpter is celebrating some major accomplishments including the success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which premiered near the end of 2024. The mother of one is releasing a children’s book, I Got It From My Mama, in April. She’s also filming a movie in Italy, which she co-wrote, produced, and stars. Sumpter credits motherhood with shifting her perspective about work and her career.

She told Mother, “Motherhood has reminded me that [work is] not everything … It’s helped me be more patient and to realize that when things go wrong, whether at work or in life, it’s not the end of the world. There’s always something bigger, and more meaningful, to ground me.

Tika Sumpter with her daughter Ella | @tikasumpter on Instagram

Sumpter credits her 8-year-old daughter, Ella, for inspiring one of her biggest professional projects. The Nobody’s Fool actor and her husband created Adventures of Curiosity Cove, a weekly podcast of storytelling and lessons for kids. “I love the idea of giving kids a tool to explore ideas and wonder about the world, without always staring at a screen,” Sumpter explained to Mother. “Don’t get me wrong, we’re not anti-TV (Ella definitely watches her share of shows!), but Adventures of Curiosity Cove is another way for kids to dream, imagine, and feel inspired in a different way. It’s such a joy to bring the world to life.”

‘Masters of the Universe’ Movie Adds Ram-Man Actor to Cast

Mandi Kerr — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:50:08 +0000

The Masters of the Universe cast is continuing to take shape. The live-action movie based on the popular toys of the 1980s (and subsequent animated series) now officially has a Ram-Man in Jon Xue Zhang. Ahead, get details on Masters of the Universe—spoiler: the movie’s still taking shape—and who will join Zhang during filming.

Jon Xue Zhang signs on as Ram-Man in ‘Masters of the Universe’

Jon Xue Zhang | Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

In a Feb. 18, 2025, announcement, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Zhang’s addition to the Masters of the Universe cast as Ram-Man. Ram-Man is, per the outlet, “a warrior known for using his head as a battering ram.” The actor-producer, 36, most recently appeared on Netflix’s The Brothers Sun. He’s also worked as a stunt performer.

Zhang isn’t the only addition to the Masters of the Universe cast. He’s one of three actors who have signed on for the Amazon MGM Studios movie from director Travis Knight. Joining him is Sasheer Zamata, a former Saturday Night Live cast member, as Suzie, and Christian Vunipola (Miguel Wants to Fight, Queenpins) as Hussein.

Other previously announced cast members for ‘Masters of the Universe’

While details regarding the plot are “under wraps” for the movie, other casting details have previously been announced. Camila Mendes is playing Teela, Jared Leto’s playing Skeletor, and Idris Elba is taking on the dual role of Duncan/Man-at-Arms.

Other cast members include Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress, James Purefoy as King Randor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena.

Masters of the Universe is expected to premiere in 2026.

Mariska Hargitay Felt Crime Shows Like ‘Law & Order SVU’ Helped Audiences Feel Safe

Antonio Stallings — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 04:44:00 +0000

Law & Order SVU is a show that’s constantly on Mariska Hargitay’s mind. It’s changed the veteran actor in more ways than one, turning her into an activist who championed women’s rights and safety. But SVU, and other shows of its kind, also had positive effects on its viewers.

How crime shows like ‘SVU’ comforted their fans

Mariska Hargitay | David Giesbrecht / Getty Images

Hargitay had a lot of theories as to why SVU formed such a deep connection with its fanbase. So much so that it allowed the crime procedural to thrive on television for more than two decades. Apart from just good storytelling, Hargitay believed the show could be reassuring to its viewers. Something she credited to the show’s creator, Dick Wolf, and his vision.

“Dick Wolf is truly a visionary,” Hargitay once said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “And I think that’s a very singular thing to be a true visionary who understands our culture in a very deep way but also understands it’s sort of ironic that a crime show would be actually calming in a way to our nervous system, knowing that somebody is out there taking care of it. That our voices are heard, and there are people that are on it. So that is it.”

What made the idea even more interesting to Hargitay was that she figured crime shows would have the opposite effect on its audience.

“It’s a very sort of interesting dichotomy,” she said. “Because you think about a crime show, which normally should sort of upset your nervous system, actually can settle it down because of that.”

“I think that we’re all fascinated with the human condition. We don’t understand how people can do the things that they do,” she added. “But it’s a very deep question, which is we are very complex beings, and we all have a lot of parts, and we’re all capable of a lot of things. That’s why working on ourselves and integrating ourselves and integrating our shadow and our light is one of the most important things we can do in our evolution.”

‘Law & Order SVU’ became therapeutic for its viewers

However, the bond fans had with SVU might’ve been a bit closer than the bond other crime shows had with their audiences. Because of its longevity, SVU had twenty years to cultivate the relationship it had with its viewers. But the show’s focus on sexual abuse and trauma resonated with real-life victims of these crimes who might’ve found sharing their experiences daunting.

“It’s an incredibly progressive show, progressive idea, and really starting a conversation and taking sexual assault, domestic violence, and these issues that were traditionally swept under the carpet,” Hargitay once said according to AP. “The conversation is in full swing, and that’s very exciting. I think the show has really been a huge part of the cultural education on sexual violence. I think we have taken on the issues of consent and the neurobiology of trauma and created a survivor-centric show that was utterly unique.”

The show’s material would also inspire Hargitay to create the Joyful Heart Foundation. The organization is dedicated to helping the kinds of victims typically portrayed in SVU’s stories.

“Being immersed in this material and learning the statistics and learning about the shame and isolation that survivors of sexual violence feel, that is what really called me to start my own foundation and to respond to the subject matter that I was being immersed in every day,” she said.

Her longtime SVU co-star and partner, Ice-T, shared Hargitay’s feelings about the show. Although he might’ve been a bit more surprised by the show’s impact than Hargitay was.

“It took about a year or so of people saying ‘thank you’ to realize that it was therapy for a lot of people. These are survivors,” he said.