Reality TV

Jesse Palmer is the new permanent host of "The Bachelor" ... replacing Chris Harrison, who was cut loose after his racism scandal.

The move keeps it all in the family, so to speak ... because Jesse's a former 'Bachelor' himself, and now he'll be the face of the ABC franchise for its upcoming 26th season.

Jesse says he's humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host, and he's looking forward to offering the next 'Bachelor' advice as production is about to begin.

Some of that advice might involve being certain about names of the women in the rose ceremony -- something Jesse learned the hard way in 2005 in one of the show's most infamous moments.

TMZ broke the story ... Chris says he has no hard feelings over his 'Bachelor' exit, telling us he's happy to have his Mondays back and seems at peace with the end of his era.

Chris hosted both shows in the franchise for 2 decades, but he found himself embroiled in scandal this year after he excused historical racism during an interview with ex-'Bachelorette' Rachel Lindsay.

Dog the Bounty Hunter is right on Brian Laundrie's tail ... or at least it's possible, and authorities are looking into it.

A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ ... Dog -- who joined the manhunt for Gabby Petito's fiance a couple days ago -- has been in the Florida woods looking for him, and found something he thinks may finally lead to his capture.

We're told Dog got a tip that led him and his new wife Francie to a fresh campsite that might be linked to Laundrie ... who's been missing for a week and a half now.

Our source says Dog has alerted authorities to the campground location because he believes it could be a major clue in the manhunt, and he's currently waiting for their arrival.

There's more -- we're told Dog believes he's also uncovered proof that links Laundrie's parents to the campsite ... though it's unclear what that is.

Of course, this could also be a false alarm -- just like the trail cam footage and the look-alike sighting in Canada -- but we'll have to wait and see.

As you know ... Gabby was found dead in a Wyoming state park a little over a week ago, and the feds have issued an arrest warrant for Brian for unauthorized use of a credit card right around the time Gabby went missing.

Gabby's family held a funeral for her this weekend in New York.

Lucian Piane -- former producer, composer and judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race" -- is in trouble with the law for the second time in a month, but he doesn't seem to have a care in the world about it.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Lucian was busted by police in the San Fernando Valley Monday afternoon after cops got a call from a bank, claiming he broke a window by ramming a shopping cart into it.

We got video of the arrest which shows Piane singing a parody rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as cops search him. And, ya gotta love this ... he name drops RuPaul, and cracks jokes about officers pulling his pants down, saying it'll make him more famous!!!

All jokes aside ... Piane was barefoot and yelling as cops hauled him off in cuffs.

Our law enforcement sources say he was booked for felony vandalism -- the window he allegedly smashed was more than $1,000. He was released early this morning, around 1 AM.

Cynthia Bailey -- one of the main stars on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" for over a decade -- is calling it quits on the popular reality series.

Cynthia says she's thought long and hard about it, and has made the "very difficult and heartfelt decision" to not return for the upcoming 14th season of 'RHOA.'

The Atlanta Housewife -- who's married to Fox Sports correspondent Mike Hill -- says it's time to move on to her next chapter and seek new adventures, but before she does ... she's thanking all of her castmates for "eleven of the most unbelievable years of my life."

Bailey's also sending out kudos to Bravo, the production companies and her fans, adding ... "I could not have done it without your blessings, love, and support. Without the fans, none of this would be possible. I love and appreciate all of you."

Cynthia joined 'RHOA' in 2010 in its third season as a friend of NeNe Leakes. The show also featured her relationship with Peter Thomas and her eventual split with him.

As we first told you ... Bravo was in talks to film her wedding with Hill last year, but bailed over COVID concerns, which was just fine with Cynthia because there was a lot less drama.

Mama June broke up with her longtime boyfriend, Geno Doak, because she got sober and was over their former lifestyle, and he didn't deal with it well at all ... TMZ has learned.

According to sources close to the former couple ... June called it quits with Geno because they couldn't get on the same page when it came to sobriety -- she was clean, but he was drinking a lot.

Then she began seeing someone else. Our sources say Geno felt like June pulled the rug out from under him and took the breakup very hard. We're told he went to a dark place, which led to him being hospitalized earlier this month in Florida ... before heading to a rehab facility in South Carolina.

As we reported ... June revealed she was done with Geno in mid-August.

His current rehab stint is, obviously, a step in the right direction -- but Geno's legal issues aren't over.

He's still a wanted man in Alabama because the judge says he failed to comply with the terms of his sentencing in his crack cocaine case.

"Storage Wars" star Barry Weiss returned to filming the only way he knows how ... by surprising the cast with a grand entrance.

TMZ's got this first look at Barry back in action for the Season 13 premiere of the hit A&E show. The episode, shot in March, shows Barry filming for the first time since a terrible bike crash sidelined him for quite a while.

You can see in the video Barry hasn't lost his sense of humor or style, for that matter, after rolling up in one of his exotic cars. Because you're wondering ... it's a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr that's retrofitted with a flamethrower exhaust. 🔥🔥🔥

At first, the cast can't make out who's behind the wheel ... much less be able to tell it's Barry because they've never seen him in that particular car -- although, he's known for his hot wheels.

Someone jokingly says it's the Batmobile before Barry rolls down the window and reveals his pretty mug. He asked, "Did you miss me?!?" ... before the cast unloaded a few jokes on him.

Everyone was glad to see him back in action, although a fellow bidder laments that on the day he's searching for collectibles ... the king of 'em comes out of retirement.

As we reported, Barry was seen across SoCal back in March filming again, but this time we have his pals' reaction on video. TBH, Barry looked great, and that's saying a lot considering the hell he went through.

After his nasty 2019 bike accident, Barry underwent multiple surgeries on his back and femur. The road to recovery was a long one, but now we can see how he's muscled his way back.

It's that time of the year again -- "The Masked Singer" is on a roll ... and wouldn't ya know it, there might be Kardashian clout among the contestants. You heard it here first, folks.

Production sources tell TMZ ... somebody in and around the Kardashian empire will be all costumed up for this season from head to toe, and if that manifests like we're hearing ... they'll be singing their heart out as part of next week's Group B premiere.

Kiiiinda makes you wonder if Kim K was on to something last week at the Met Gala ... or perhaps telegraphing what's to come on the big stage. She herself was fully covered in something very similar. 😅

Anyway, we know what you're thinking -- the Kardashian clan is pretty damn big, so it could literally be anybody. True ... but you gotta figure that if it's any one of the sisters (sans Khloe and Kendall, who are tall AF) the costume they get stuffed in might match that height.

One person we're sure it WON'T be is ... Caitlyn Jenner. She showed up last season as the Phoenix, and got the boot relatively early. So, yeah ... they ain't gonna be double-dipping there. It's gotta be someone else entirely -- only question is ... who???

Oh and FWIW, we've learned that one of the BEST singers this season will be unmasked in the first few weeks ... in what many backstage are calling one of the biggest upsets ever.

Dwight Howard says his own mother was shocked while watching her fave show -- "The Masked Singer" -- because she found out her baby boy was the "Octopus!!!"

The NBA veteran, and current L.A. Lakers star, joined us on "TMZ Live" Thursday to tell us all about his experience on the Fox show -- and why he went to great lengths to keep his appearance top secret from his mom.

It's super sweet ... Dwight says she was just like every other viewer across the country, watching his unmasking after he'd dropped a pretty good version of the Little Richard classic, "Tutti Frutti."

Keep in mind, he pulled that off while being 6'10" and draped in his heavy costume and headgear.

Unfortunately for the Howard fam, Dwight was eliminated at the end of Wednesday night's season premiere, but it sounds like she'll continue watching even though he got the boot.

Mama June's ex-boyfriend isn't getting any breaks from the judge -- even though he's in rehab, he's in rehab in the wrong state ... which is why he's now a wanted man.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ ... a bench warrant's been issued for Geno Doak in Macon County, Alabama for failing to comply with the terms of his sentencing in his crack cocaine case.

The warrant says Geno's to be taken into custody by any Alabama law enforcement officer and held without bail until he can have a hearing.

The thing is -- as we first told you -- Geno's in South Carolina after checking into a recovery center there earlier this week, and the facility said he made a 120-day commitment to inpatient treatment.

Doak filed docs to loop in the judge from his crack cocaine case about his whereabouts, but unfortunately for him ... he was supposed to be in Alabama as part of his sentence, and failed to relocate there as required.

NBA star Dwight Howard busted his ass getting ready for "The Masked Singer" ... taking singing and dancing lessons in preparation for his performance on the hit TV show.

TMZ Sports talked to the 35-year-old Lakers center after he was eliminated from the FOX show Wednesday night, following his performance of "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard, while wearing an extravagant Octopus costume.

"I did singing lessons. I did dancing lessons. I even did my own stuff, my own homework, drills that I never thought you'd have to do for singing."

Bottom line ... whether it's on the basketball court or stage, Howard doesn't like to lose.

"I was infatuated with The Masked Singer, and trying to win this show. It was crazy."

Unfortunately for Dwight, he was eliminated at the end of episode 1 ... but let's be honest, he was (literally) at a giant disadvantage.

Howard is 6'10" ... and regardless of the costume concealing his face and body, it was still clear the Octopus was a really tall person.

So, when it came time for judges Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger to guess who was in the outfit, they were all in the ballpark ... and The Hangover star actually correctly guessed Dwight.

FYI, Jenny guessed Dennis Rodman (6'7"). Nicole, Shaquille O'Neal (7'1").

We asked Howard what he was thinking as Jeong guessed it was him.

"I was like 'dang, he got me!' I couldn't believe that he got me, but I knew he had a chance because we actually did a commercial together. It was an Adidas commercial."

But, even though he was axed on night 1, Dwight says his time on the TMS was amazing.

"I'm sorry that I didn't make it to the end of the show, but I had so much fun. It was one of the best things that I've ever done in my life."

California-native Kelly Wiglesworth was only 23 when she was cast as the white-water rafting guide turned island castaway on the very first season of the reality competition show "Survivor: Borneo" back in 2000.

Wiglesworth was the runner-up of the OG 'Survivor' season losing out on her chance at the one million dollar prize to Richard Hatch who has been credited for creating alliances and gameplay within tribes that made the show what it is today.

KW returned for another run at the prize money on "Survivor: Cambodia" but was voted out 9th.

"The Masked Singer" is off and running -- and so are their wild card contestants ... one of whom locked lips once upon a time with Jenny McCarthy. Question is ... who??? 👀

Here's the deal ... we've learned there will be two costumed crooners on Thursday's episode that come out of left field and are unpredictable in every sense of the word ... making 'em way harder to figure out than perhaps any other masked singer in the past. But ... we have a really good clue.

Production sources tell TMZ .... one of these wild cards actually made out with JMC in the past. Now, that isn't to say you can look at Jenny's dating history and figure it out, because, let's face it ... making out and dating are not necessarily one in the same. HOWEVER, we're told it could be someone she dated ... emphasis on COULD.

There's the Jim Carrey era, the Brian Urlacher days ... and then the Chris Hardwick rumors from MTV's 'Singled Out' days. We're not saying for sure it's any of these guys  -- but this is something of a road map.  The question ... is this the right road?

BTW, related but unrelated ... there's this new costume this season that it's absolutely wild -- and unlike anything any of us have seen before.

They call it ... Mother Nature, and it looks like just it sounds. Word is, the 'Masked Singer' team has been trying to get this puppy showcased for years. We're told producers felt the getup might be cursed, because they tried it twice before but each time the contestant had to drop out right before the show for personal reasons -- one was a Golden Globe-nominated actress and the other was a 2-time Emmy-winning actress -- but now, it's finally happening.

Kim Kardashian is heading into Studio 8H at 30 Rock to do it 'Live' -- she'll be appearing on 'SNL' this season.

Kim's taking up hosting duties for an episode to air October 9 for the upcoming 47th season.

There's also this ... Kim's accompanying musical guest will be Halsey -- who's hosted before. She's been featured a handful of times as the music act, but handled hosting in early 2019. So, Kim can lean on her for some tips.

This seems impossible, but none of the Kardashians have ever hosted with the "Live from New York" crew ... Kim will be the first. Aside from acting in several skits, the thing everyone will be watching for is her opening monologue.

As for how this came together ... we know Kim and Kris Jenner had a face-to-face with 'SNL' honcho Lorne Michaels just last month in Bev Hills -- something their team played down by saying it was just a simple catch-up. Obviously, there was more wheeling and dealing going on during their convo.

Some of the other hosts for this season include Owen Wilson, Rami Malek and Jason Sudeikis. Musical guests include Young Thug, Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves.

It also goes without saying, this is a little risky for Kim ... as she and her family -- including Kanye -- are frequently lampooned by 'SNL.' There's an entire running sketch they've brought back a handful of times over the years, where cast members play Kardashian sisters.

Nicole Richie is probably wishing for a fire extinguisher on her 40th birthday ... because her hair was set ablaze during her birthday dinner.

The actress posted a video Tuesday showing herself blowing out the candles on a cake to ring in the big 4-0 -- and all seemed to be going well, until she reached the final candle ... and flew a little too close to the sun.

Some stray strands of her locks made contact with the flame below, and the fire quickly jumped onto her body and started climbing up. It actually looks like the other side of her head might've caught fire as well -- but that was quickly put out by someone nearby.

However, her right side was still caught in the flame ... and she starts to scream as it spreads. The video cuts out before we can find out what happens next -- but we're assuming NR is okay.

Her caption to this read, "Well... so far 40 is 🔥." Pretty jokey, so you gotta figure she walked away from this relatively unscathed. Still, pretty freaky nonetheless.

Mama June's estranged BF appears to finally be getting the help he needs ... 'cause we've learned he's checked into rehab.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Geno Doak was hospitalized in Fort Pierce, Florida earlier this month. It's unclear why he landed in the hospital, but we do know doctors there referred him to a recovery center in South Carolina, and he checked into that facility on Monday.

In the docs, the director of the center says Geno will be a resident in the long-term intensive program and be required to make a minimum of a 120-day commitment. But, he also has the option to stay for up to a year if necessary.

The program is designed to help individuals develop their capacity for a healthy transition to sober living ... and all residents are required to eventually seek employment and are encouraged to assume responsibility of themselves and their recovery.

The documents were filed to loop in the judge from Geno's crack cocaine case. As we reported ... Mama June and Geno were both busted outside an Alabama gas station back in March 2019 and charged with felony drug possession.

While their relationship status had remained unclear for months, it was back in August when June announced Geno was no longer a part of her life, so many fans assumed they split.

Geno was sentenced to 16 months in Macon County Community Corrections. He wasn't going to physically be behind bars, but had to follow a set of rules.

For instance, he was supposed to relocate from Florida to Alabama within 30 to 45 days of his July sentencing date ... but he failed to do so.

Farrah Abraham has her heart set on attending law school, possibly in the Ivy League -- on the heels of her Harvard beef -- and she says Harvard's fiercest rival is interested.

We got the former "Teen Mom" star at Debbie Durkin's EcoLuxe Lounge event at the Beverly Hills Hilton, and asked about her law school prospects. The headline here is Farrah's not soured on Ivy schools after experiencing what she calls "educational abuse" in Cambridge, MA ... and she might get the ultimate revenge at Yale.

Farrah says she's a wanted woman now that she's secured her transcript from Harvard, and she told us -- with a straight face -- Yale and several other law schools are recruiting her.

Laugh if you want, but Farrah does have a Bachelor's degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale which at least makes her eligible to apply at Yale.

While she seems open to giving the Ivy League another chance, it sounds like Farrah's leaning toward staying close to home in California ... because she thinks she would fit in better on a diverse campus. Plus, what Cali girl wants to brave a New England winter?!?

As we first told you ... Farrah trashed Harvard over what she says was a horrible experience with their online program, and even threatened a lawsuit.

Farrah tells us what type of law she would like to practice one day. Here's a hint: Anything goes!

As for her Harvard litigation -- sounds like that's on her back burner for now.