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Aaron Pierre: Lanterns, Star Wars & Why He’s Your New Crush
TODAY Show Video Playlist: August 7, 2026 — Your Guide to Today’s Best Clips
TL;DR: The TODAY show posted a bunch of short videos on August 7, 2026. The main interview is with actor Aaron Pierre talking about his new superhero show Lanterns, Star Wars, and being called "the internet’s boyfriend." There are also 19 other fun clips — from Andy Cohen on Real Housewives to a Gilmore Girls documentary and Halloween decorations already in stores!
The Main Event: Aaron Pierre Opens Up
Video: Aaron Pierre Talks ‘Lanterns,’ ‘Star Wars,’ Heartthrob Status, More
Length: 4 minutes 55 seconds
Hosts: Jenna Bush Hager & guest co-host Willie Geist
What Happened (In Simple Terms)
Imagine you’re at a sleepover and your cool older cousin Aaron stops by to chat. Here’s what he shared:
- He’s a superhero now! Aaron plays John Stewart (one of the Green Lanterns) in the new HBO series Lanterns. His partner is Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler (the coach from Friday Night Lights). They became real-life buds while filming.
- He almost didn’t say "I want to act" out loud. Aaron said telling people "I want to be an actor" was the scariest thing he’s ever done — even scarier than fighting aliens on screen!
- He’s in a Star Wars movie. He’ll appear in Star Wars: Starfighter alongside Ryan Gosling. (Yes, that Ryan Gosling.)
- The internet has a crush on him. People call him "the internet’s boyfriend." He reacted with a shy smile — basically, "Aw, thanks?"
Important Point: Aaron’s journey shows that saying your dream out loud — even when it’s terrifying — can lead to Lanterns, Star Wars, and fans worldwide.
The Rest of the Playlist: 19 More Videos to Watch
Think of this like a mixtape — short, fun, and all over the place (in a good way). Here’s what’s up next:
| # | Title | Length | Why You Might Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Cohen on Phenomenon of ‘Real Housewives’ 20 Years Later | 6:40 | The Bravolebrity king reflects on 20 years of table flips & taglines. |
| 2 | Aaron Pierre (Now Playing) | 4:55 | ← You are here. |
| 3 | Ayra Starr Talks New Long-Awaited Album, ‘Starrgirl’ | 4:27 | Afrobeats star spills on her new record. |
| 4 | Keen Ruffalo on ‘Sterling Point,’ Dad’s Reaction to Career Choice | 6:06 | Mark Ruffalo’s son talks acting & dad’s advice. |
| 5 | TODAY Celebrates 100th Birthdays: August 7, 2026 | 1:18 | Sweet shout-outs to centenarians. |
| 6 | Jason Sudeikis Gives Willie Geist ‘Exclusive’ | 0:45 | Ted Lasso guy jokes around with Willie. |
| 7 | Trailer for Season 3 of ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ | 0:54 | Conan travels the world being hilarious. |
| 8 | Sneak Peek: Nicolas Cage in ‘Madden’ Biopic | 0:55 | Cage as legendary coach John Madden? Yes, please. |
| 9 | ‘Grown Ups 3’ Cast Reunites in First Set Photo | 1:00 | Sandler, Kevin James, Rock, Spade — back together! |
| 10 | ‘SNL’ Alum Cheri Oteri Rings Bell to Mark End of Radiation | 0:40 | Brave & beautiful moment after cancer treatment. |
| 11 | Jim Carrey Set to Star in ‘The Jetsons’ Live-Action Movie | 1:37 | "Ruh-roh!" — Carrey as George Jetson? |
| 12 | ‘Halloween Creep’ Begins: Spooky Décor Hits Stores in August | 2:58 | Pumpkins in August? Retailers say yes. |
| 13 | Tan France Talks New Collab, Move to NY, Karamo Brown, More | 6:43 | Queer Eye fave updates on life & projects. |
| 14 | Usher on New Tour, Serenading Fans, New Look Foundation, More | 14:24 | Longest clip — Usher goes deep on music & giving back. |
| 15 | New Movies & TV Shows to Watch in August | 4:17 | Your watchlist just got longer. |
| 16 | Al Roker Meets His Twin on the TODAY Plaza | 0:44 | Weatherman doubles — literally. |
| 17 | Taylor Momsen Leaves Door Open to ‘Grinch’ Sequel | 1:02 | Cindy Lou Who might return. |
| 18 | ‘Love Island USA’ S8 = Most Watched Season Ever on Peacock | 0:28 | Villa drama breaks records. |
| 19 | New ‘Gilmore Girls’ Documentary in the Works for HBO Max | 0:50 | "Oy with the poodles already!" — doc coming. |
| 20 | Role Model Reunites With Al Roker Ahead of New Album | 2:17 | Singer Tucker Pillsbury (aka Role Model) catches up with Al. |
How to Use This Playlist
You don’t have to watch all of them! Pick what sounds fun:
- Love superheroes & sci-fi? → Start with Aaron Pierre (#2) and Jim Carrey/Jetsons (#11).
- Reality TV fan? → Andy Cohen (#1) and Love Island (#18).
- Need a smile? → Cheri Oteri (#10), Al Roker’s twin (#16), 100th birthdays (#5).
- Movie night planning? → August watchlist (#15), Madden biopic (#8), Grown Ups 3 (#9).
- Music mood? → Ayra Starr (#3), Usher (#14), Role Model (#20).
ELI5 Summary: What’s the Big Picture?
The TODAY show drops a daily video playlist — like a snack tray of pop culture.
Today’s main dish is Aaron Pierre, a rising star who went from "scared to say I want to act" to Green Lantern + Star Wars + internet crush.
The sides include TV legends (Andy Cohen, Conan), movie sneak peeks (Madden, Jetsons, Grown Ups 3), music stars (Usher, Ayra Starr), sweet moments (Cheri Oteri, centenarians), and even Halloween in August.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered Simply
Q: Who is Aaron Pierre?
A: A British actor (born 1994) who’s having a moment. You might know him from The Underground Railroad, Old, or Rebel Ridge. Now he’s a Green Lantern!
Q: What is Lanterns?
A: A new HBO show about Green Lanterns — space cops with power rings. Think True Detective but with aliens. Aaron = John Stewart. Kyle Chandler = Hal Jordan.
Q: Why are Halloween decorations out in August?
A: Stores call it "Halloween Creep" — they start early to sell more. Blame capitalism, not ghosts.
Q: Is Grown Ups 3 really happening?
A: Yes! The main four (Sandler, James, Rock, Spade) reunited for a set photo. No release date yet.
Q: Where can I watch these?
A: All clips are on the TODAY show website or YouTube channel. Just search the titles above.
Final Thought
Dreams are scary to say out loud. Aaron Pierre proved that.
But once you say them? You might end up in a Star Wars movie, a superhero show, and make the whole internet blush.
What’s your "scariest thing to say" — and what if you said it today?
Enjoy the playlist!
