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What to read before the Lady Boss premiere 

For more than 40 years, Jackie Collins wrote sexy, wildly popular novels that turned her into an icon of female power, pleasure and freedom. But there’s a lot more to this bestselling author’s life that’s never been told.   

With CNN Films’ Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story, director Laura Fairrie gives an intimate, definitive portrait of the trailblazing writer, mother and rebel in her own words. Here’s what we’re reading (and re-reading!) before the premiere on Sunday, June 27 @ 9 PM ET:

• Chances: This classic 1981 title is the first in Collins’ beloved Lucky Santangelo series, and it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

• Hollywood Kids: Eight of Collins’ novels have already been adapted for the screen, and it looks like this juicy 1994 romp will be next. 

• Vanity Fair, circa 1988 and 2021: Learn more about Jackie Collins' famous family, including her sisterly struggles with Joan Collins, in this present-day Vanity Fair profile. Then travel back in time to the 1980s and hear from the sisters themselves in this legendary Vanity Fair interview.
• USA Today: While some may be quick to put Collins in the boxes of "empowering feminist icon" or a "shameless peddler", USA Today thinks there's a simple solution: She's both. See what this reporter discovered about the dual affection and criticism Collins experienced. 

Are you a Jackie Collins superfan? Tell us which of her 32 novels is your favorite by tweeting @CNNFilms with the hashtag #LadyBossFilm. If you missed it, check out the trailer for Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story here. 

Your chance to watch and win with Forensic Files II 

RSVP for a special advance screening of the HLN Original Series, Forensic Files II on Thursday, June 24 @ 12 PM ET, followed by a conversation with Executive Producer Nancy Duffy and Narrator Bill Camp. Reserve your spot here for the Special Screening and enter for a chance to win a Forensic Files II VIP gift box! Click here to see the Official Rules. Void where prohibited.

Pride Month spotlight: The beauty of the gender spectrum 

Did you know that an unprecedented number of US adults identify as LGBTQ+ and that young people, especially Generation Z, are driving the increase? This is Life with Lisa Ling dug into a few of these stories with individuals who identify as transgender and gender fluid, see them on CNNgo.

• "Transbeauty" (Season 4, Episode 8): Lisa takes a revealing look inside the exciting and emotional competition that is the world's most prestigious transgender beauty pageant.
• "Gender Fluidity" (Season 5, Episode 3): Lisa explores the evolution of how we think about gender. She meets individuals across the spectrum who are seeking acceptance from those closest to them.

For more, check out these 20 books that are essential reading this Pride Month. From bestselling memoirs to Pulitzer Prize-winning novels to historical accounts, these selections offer further insight to the LGBTQ+ experience.

Where to watch: LFG and Roadrunner

Lady Boss isn’t the only CNN Film to watch for this summer. Two additional productions, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and LFG, about the fight for pay equity by the US Women’s National Soccer Team, also held world premieres at the 2021 Tribeca Festival in June. And now, they’re going to be available for an even bigger audience.

LFG, directed by Oscar winners Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine, combines incredible athletic performances with emotional moments away from the field as Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, Sam Mewis and more give a no-holds-barred account of the ongoing legal battle. Check out the talent-filled trailer here, and stream the film on HBO Max starting June 24.

Then, on July 16, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain will open in theaters. Directed by Morgan Neville, Roadrunner explores the life of the legendary storyteller, traveler and culinary force who helmed the 12-time Primetime Emmy® Award-winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown for 12 seasons. Watch the trailer here, and consider joining friends and fans in expressing gratitude for Bourdain’s incredible legacy on his birthday, June 25, with the hashtag #ThankYouTony.