genuine

The popular drama came out in 2021 but is brand new to Channel 5

Viewers looking for a gritty crime thriller are in luck, as Channel 5 has acquired a firm favourite.

The broadcaster has announced that Walker, starring Jared Padalecki, Lindsey Morgan and Molly Hagan, is now available to stream, with weekly season drops from July 30.

Walker, which first launched in 2021 in America, is a direct reboot and reimagining of the 1990s action crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris.

The drama, which is made up of four seasons, sees Gilmore Girls star Jared Padalecki reinvent the iconic franchise as Cordell Walker, a widowed Ranger returning home to a family he barely knows and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

It has been described as a series that blends “gripping action with genuine heart”, and has strong reviews from those who watched the drama when it originally launched.

“So captivating!!” wrote one viewer on IMBd, adding: “I loved the episode it was a strong pilot and I can’t wait to see what happens! I loved the establishment of the characters right away you knew the relationship of everyone and you already got a little bit of insight to how they interact with each other. This is a show that can only keep getting better!!”

While a second wrote: “Big Supernatural fan of Jared’s and honestly was worried about seeing him transition to a new show after 15 years of playing one character.

“But after watching the pilot episode of Walker, man I was blown away! He was so believable as Cordell Walker, Sam was not to be found. Kudos to the entire cast! This episode introduced us to all the characters seamlessly, and I look forward to seeing where this show takes them.”

Others warned not to compare the reboot to the original. One viewer explained: “Stop comparing; it’s two completely different shows.

“This Walker is all about heart, family and fighting crime. Jared Padalecki is not and never will be Chuck Norris, thank goodness… Norris is all action and no acting! I never liked the original!

“But this one… This one is a great story and an amazing cast! And the intrigue and drama is getting better and better each week!”

A synopsis reads: “A widowed father returns to Austin after one year, attempting to reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his family, and find common ground with his new partner, while growing increasingly suspicious of his wife’s death.”

Walker is now available to stream on My5 with weekly season drops.

Some Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis have been giving their reaction to the plan to the BBC.

Tala, an 18-year-old who has been living in a tent in Gaza since her home was destroyed in air strikes, said “every time people hear about a possible ceasefire, we hope that it will finally end”.

“But when these promises are broken, it creates more fear,” she told BBC Newsbeat.

The university student said daily life remains “very challenging”, adding: “Every day comes with a new difficulty, and we are constantly thinking about safety and basic needs.”

“What matters most is stopping the fighting, protecting civilians and setting a new chapter of re-building,” she said.

In Israel Jonny said he “prays” that the ceasefire in Gaza can work. “I don’t see an ending to this cycle, but I pray it’s the case,” he told the BBC.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, told CNN that Israel is “looking forward to implementing” the deal, but added: “We have to verify what they [Hamas] are doing, not what they are saying.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the proposed agreement as “the only good news in recent days”.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the focus must be on implementing the full 20-point peace plan, including “withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza and respect for the ceasefire by all parties”.

He added that conditions “remain appalling” in Gaza and said Israel “must immediately end the unacceptable restrictions on aid”. Israel denies it is restricting the entry of aid.

The war in Gaza was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

Israel responded to the attack by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 73,290 people have been killed, according to the territory’s health ministry whose figures are considered reliable by the UN.