“The Boroughs” reached the top of the Nielsen streaming charts in its first full week of availability, three weeks before getting canceled at Netflix.

The sci-fi series, from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews and produced by the Duffer Brothers, climbed to No. 1 in the week of May 25 with 1.74 billion minutes, up 45% from the previous week where it landed at No. 2 — behind Netflix’s “Nemesis.”

The show picked up some younger audiences after finding more attention from older viewers in its debut week, increasing from 11% among adults 18-34 to 15%. Still, its audience remained concentrated in the 50+ range, per Nielsen data, with 31% among the 50-64 range.

The show boasted strong ratings in its debut, like most Netflix shows upon their release, but the streamer opted not to pursue a Season 2 citing low audience retention and high production costs. The cancellation sparked public backlash from fans and series stars Geena Davis and Denis O’Hare.

The series featured an ensemble cast including Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Denis O’Hare, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, Jena Malone and others. It centered on a friend group at a retirement community working together to uncover a dark conspiracy in their midst.

Prime Video and MGM+ series “Spider-Noir,” from Sony Pictures Television, premiered on May 25 and landed the No. 4 spot on the overall charts, behind perennial hits “Bluey” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” with 851 million minutes. Paramount’s “Dutton Ranch” made it to No. 6 overall and No. 3 in the streaming originals chart with a series high of 782 million minutes.

Also of note was Apple TV’s “Your Friends and Neighbors” reaching its highest ranking to date at No. 8 on the originals chart with Season 2’s penultimate episode, reaching 387 million minutes.

Hulu’s “The Testaments,” a sequel series of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” made its debut on the chart with the drop of its Season 1 finale gathering 377 million minutes — the series had already been renewed for Season 2 by then.

The post ‘The Boroughs’ Topped Nielsen Charts With 1.7 Billion Minutes 3 Weeks Before Cancellation appeared first on TheWrap.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. – Former Alexander High School biology teacher and football administrator Maris Nichols faced a judge Thursday morning as she deals with 27 criminal counts. 

Maris Nichols indicted

What we know:

Former Alexander High School teacher Maris Nichols faces 27 counts including child molestation, grooming of a minor, electronic distribution of obscene materials and sexual exploitation of children.

Alexander High School in Douglas County

The court documents detail explicit encounters with at least seven students between January and May. Prosecutors allege Nichols engaged in sexual intercourse, filmed explicit videos with a minor and sent nude photographs to teenagers. She is accused having sex with a student in a school closet and on a truck at a golf course community. 

It remains unclear how many total students may have been impacted beyond the students identified in the indictment.

What they’re saying:

Family psychiatrist Dr. Savat Bargabay noted that these cases often stem from a desire for power and control rather than sexual driving forces. 

“In fact, most cases of where people are victimized through sexual assault is not about the sex,” Bargabay said. “It has to do with other things that drive that person to want to have power, control.” 

Teacher Maris Nichols makes court appearance

The Douglas County teacher accused of repeated sexual misconduct with multiple high school students is back in custody after being indicted by a grand jury. She appeared in court on Thursday morning and will be back in court on Monday. Kevyn Stewart reporting. 

Alexander High School accusations

The backstory:

The 25-year-old Nichols was initially arrested on May 8 and released on a $40,000 bond after being charged with two counts of sexual contact. Investigators later uncovered additional victims, leading to a second arrest on May 20 and a total bond increase to $74,000.

As part of that bond, the former biology teacher was required to stay away from the alleged victim, avoid Alexander High School, have no contact with unrelated minors, undergo a mental health evaluation and remain on house arrest except for approved activities.

Maris Nichols (Douglas County Schools)

During a 27-day period, authorities say Nichols committed 38 home curfew violations and 47 inclusion zone violations. In addition, investigators uncovered additional allegations of criminal conduct.

Nichols was arrested again on May 20 on a wave of new charges. Despite prosecutors arguing she should remain behind bars, she was granted an increased bond. Tightened bond restrictions were put into place, including an absolute ban on internet access, social media and any contact with minors except her own 6-year-old daughter.

According to the warrants, detectives repeatedly referenced claims that students threatened to expose an alleged OnlyFans account in exchange for favorable grades. Investigators sought extensive records from the platform, including account information, communications, uploaded content, payment records, IP addresses and earnings data.

Maris Nichols (Douglas County Schools)

New arrest warrant issued

What’s next:

On Wednesday, authorities issued a new arrest warrant ordering law enforcement to return the former educator to jail without bond.

As of early Thursday morning, jail records indicated Nichols was back in custody with an arrest date of June 25 and no bond.

Nichols also made her first court appearance Thursday morning on the new indictment. During the brief hearing, her attorney waived a formal reading of the arrest warrant and acknowledged that the case is now under the jurisdiction of Douglas County Superior Court because of the grand jury indictment. 

The judge advised Nichols of her constitutional rights before ordering the case transferred to Superior Court, where previously scheduled motion hearings remain set for Monday before Judge Cynthia Adams Wallace. No bond was considered during Thursday’s hearing because the case has already been bound over to Superior Court.

The hearing on June 29 is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Her arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Aug. 4.

Brooklyn Beckham, 27, was all smiles as he joined wife, Nicola Peltz, 31, and her loved ones for a special family celebration this week – marking a milestone birthday as his relationship to his own parents only worsens.

The close-knit family gathered at their Florida home to celebrate Nelson’s 83rd birthday, with Nicola sharing a series of touching photographs from the occasion on social media with fans.

One snap was a portrait featuring Nelson surrounded by his children including sons Zach, Diesel, Will, Bradley and Greg, as well as Nicola and Brooklyn. The family all wore matching cowboy hats, as they looked close and relaxed, with Brooklyn seemingly a solid member of the Peltz clan.

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The post was coupled with a heartfelt tribute to her father in an emotional birthday message, which read:  “Happy birthday dad! i love celebrating you! i feel truly blessed to have grown up watching you be such an incredible role model in every way possible. you’re the best father i could ever dream of. you love us all unconditionally, encourage us that our dreams are never too big to chase and to always always be a good human before all else. i love you more than you could ever know! i hope all your wishes come true and this is your best year yet, you deserve everything perfect! i love you sooooooo much!!”

But while fans are delighted to see the couple united and enjoying the company of their loved ones, the post comes during a period of continued tension surrounding Brookyln’s strained relationship with his own parents.

Despite both David and Victoria both sharing an outpour of love in posts including Brooklyn and his famous siblings with their father on Father’s Day, the eldest son is yet to publicly comment on any of the olive branches his parents have extended.

Fans however did notice a sweet detail from Brooklyn toward his family, in what some believe to be a ‘hidden sign of respect’ from the son to his famous parents. In a recent post by Nicola to her instagram on Father’s Day, the actress posted a sweet snap of her and dad Nelson, followed by a caption which read: “Happy father’s day dad! i’m so lucky i get to be your daughter, you’re the best dad in the entire world. thank you for being the most loving and supportive father i could ever dream of. i love you to the moon and back a trillion times over…”

Despite always being one of the first people to respond to his wife’s posts, the same cannot be said for her public tribute to her father, when in an unprecedented move, the Cloud23 founder, did not like the Bates Motel actress’ gushing tribute. Brooklyn instead remained silent on the annual celebration.

Perhaps a sign that mutual respect has not entirely disappeared, or rather a lack of desire to participate in Father’s Day altogether – it seems Brooklyn’s younger siblings were more vocal online in respect of their father.

Romeo gushed that his dad was “the best there is”, meanwhile Cruz shared a throwback photo of him and his dad each holding a big fish in their hands. “Happy Father’s Day dad x I love you,” he captioned the picture on his Instagram Stories.  While Harper has an Instagram account, her profile is set to private.