It’s a good thing Mogwai don’t seem to age — “Gremlins 3” has been delayed until 2028.
Warner Bros. on Wednesday shared a brief teaser of the upcoming movie on Instagram along with its new release date. “Gremlins 3” will now hit theaters on Oct. 8, 2028, instead of Nov. 19, 2027.
The brief social media clip features Gizmo rustling around inside a backpack in an indiscernible location.
“Uh-oh,” the adorable furry creature says while peering through the unzipped opening as the new release date appears. Hopefully he doesn’t snack on anything he isn’t supposed to while he awaits his big-screen return.
“Gremlins 3” was officially announced by Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav during an earnings call in 2025. Original “Gremlins” writer Chris Columbus will helm the feature, which is produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. Spielberg is an executive producer.
It has been decades since Gizmo’s last big-screen adventure. The Mogwai and his misbehaved progeny debuted in the 1984 holiday classic “Gremlins” and returned in the 1990 follow-up, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.” Directed by Joe Dante, the films established three key rules for handling the mysterious, big-eared creatures: Don’t get them wet, feed them after midnight or expose them to light. Gizmo’s origin story was explored more recently in the HBO Max animated series, “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.”
The release date shift follows the recent settlement with California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta that has cleared the way for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. According to Deadline, the change is unrelated to the pending merger.
Britain’s Callum Connor was given a UFC contract despite losing in Dana White’s Contender Series, but Norbert Novenyi Jr missed out despite winning.
Six fighters from Tuesday’s five fights earned contracts in MMA’s leading promotion – four of the winners plus two losers, including 26-year-old Connor.
Peru’s Piero Guaylupo earned a unanimous decision over lightweight rival Connor, who suffered the first professional loss of his career.
UFC president White said it could be a fight of the year contender because it contained more significant strikes than any UFC lightweight three-round bout.
“Both of these guys are in the hospital right now, as they should be,” said White.
“One of the greatest fights you’ll ever see on Tuesdays or Saturdays or any other day.
“For Piero to be 21 years old and fight the way he did, the fight was incredible. But it takes two guys to make a great fight. I’m taking them both.”
Connor, from Manchester, now has a pro record of 8-1 and has a four-fight win streak on UK promotion Full Contact Contender.
Middleweight Novenyi, who was born in Hungary but fights out of London, earned a unanimous decision over American Theo Haig to improve his pro record to 11-1.
But the 26-year-old was the only fighter who won on Tuesday not to be given a contract. He was told by White that “tonight’s not your night, my friend”.
“Norbert, both of you guys have great records,” White said. “You came in, fought a good fight.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t see anything tonight that makes me say, ‘I got to have this guy in the UFC’.
“Whatever you decide to do here, we would like to take another look at you.”
Some ITV The Chase viewers complained on X minutes into Monday’s programme.
ITV The Chase viewers issued the same complaint (Image: ITV)
The Chase viewers have been left asking the same question.
The ITV gameshow returned on Monday, September 21, but viewers were quick to notice a repeat episode was airing, rather than the new series, which launched weeks ago.
During the show, Bradley Walsh and Chaser Darragh Ennis put four contestants to the test, Faith from Holmfirth, George from Hertfordshire, Anne from Pontypool, and Jamie from Liverpool.
However, after noticing the episode had aired in 2025, viewers were left asking the same question, with one writing: “Why is it back on repeats already? For the coming week. Perhaps they’re really struggling with their contestant quota,” reports the Express.
“Repeats already?” another echoed. “At least repeat the decent episodes!” someone else fumed. Another fan wrote: “Is it just me, or is this a repeat I’m watching? As far as I know, this ep was first shown in January 2025! What is going on, ITV?!”
The episode saw the four contestants ultimately lose against The Chaser. “I hope you’ve enjoyed your day, all of you, it’s been lovely meeting you,” Bradley told them.
“Sadly, I’ve got to take the £4,000 away and tell you that you that Faith, Anne, George and Jamie, you have been caught.” He added: “Once more, the Menace is triumphant! Could you take him down? Get together and apply, we’ll see you on The Chase.”
The Chase’s repeat comes after spin-off series, The Chase Around The World, aired earlier this year on ITV. The six-part special saw six teams of two battling to win £100,000 as they took on the beloved quiz show in destinations all over Europe.
ITV had teased: “The Chasers – The Beast and The Governess – have set a series of quiz questions, puzzles and cryptic clues that the teams must solve in order to navigate their way across the city and find Bradley at the finish line.
“Their route could take them to some of Rome’s iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps. The teams must answer questions correctly to complete the course but they better be correct as wrong answers have serious consequences, costing them time and taking them off-course.
“Competition is fierce as the team that finishes last in each city will face a head-to-head showdown with the Chasers themselves. In Rome, the Beast and The Governess await. The final pair will need to beat them to stay in the competition. Lose, and it’s the first flight home.”
Speaking about the series, Bradley shared: “I would describe it as The Chase… but around the world! It’s out and about. It was very different doing it on location, in these incredible places, instead of being in a studio.
“I’ve been locked in Elstree Studios for 17 years! The locations were unbelievable. I loved it, I really did, but then again, I wasn’t chasing around, literally chasing around, the cities we were in.
Repeated blasts at military sites expose the risks facing Syria as it rebuilds its army and consolidates weapons after years of war.
A series of explosions at weapons and ammunition sites across Syria this month have exposed the difficulties facing the country’s military in storing and moving munitions, as the armed forces rebuild after more than a decade of war.
The latest blasts injured at least four people in the early hours of Monday morning at an arms depot in al-Eis, south of Aleppo.
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On Friday, a blast in Ayyash, west of Deir Az Zor, killed 11 soldiers. Another on September 9 killed 14 defence ministry personnel in Sarmada, Idlib. Also in Idlib, five people were killed when a vehicle carrying ammunition exploded in the town of Binnish on September 1 .
According to a tally by the Reuters news agency, at least 16 similar explosions have hit arms storage facilities since the fall of long-time President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 after an opposition offensive.
Some have been attributed to poor storage conditions. The Syrian Defence Ministry said it is investigating the causes behind the recurrent explosions to prevent future incidents.
Long-time neglect
Security analysts are divided on the root causes, with some pointing to a lack of professional infrastructure and others highlighting the potential for foreign interference – although there is as yet no hard evidence for that.
Omer Ozkizilcik, a nonresident senior fellow for the Syria Project in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programmes, explained to Al Jazeera that the Syrian military is undergoing a period of huge change. It is reorganising from what it was under al-Assad, consolidating weapons from different sources and integrating various forces. All of that could be putting pressure on Syria’s storage infrastructure, which was already creaking after the long war and international isolation.
“The explosions could have happened due to neglect, Ozkizilcik said. “The Syrian army is receiving much more military aid than ever before. It gained control over the stockpiles of the former regime and the formerly US-backed [Syrian Democratic Forces]. The increase in quantity coupled with the need to protect weapons from potential Israeli airstrikes may have pushed the Syrian army to store weapons in inadequate places.”
Ozkizilcik emphasised that Syria’s military is still in a transitional phase. The former army was dissolved after the fall of the al-Assad regime and fighters from armed opposition groups were integrated into a new military structure. Damascus has also been working to integrate territory and forces previously controlled by the Kurdish-led SDF.
“The Syrian army has yet to become a professional army,” Ozkizilcik added. “These explosions are not the first that happen in Syria. Before the fall of al-Assad, similar things happened many times in Syria. [but] I don’t think these explosions will affect Syria’s military capabilities in any visible way. It’s merely a loss of some stockpiles that can be replenished.”
Weapons and ammunition, by their nature, need to be handled extremely carefully and stored properly. Storing large quantities of ageing ammunition for years in poor conditions, such as high temperatures or humidity, can accelerate their deterioration and lead to them becoming unstable.
“The current warehouse infrastructure suffers from severe ageing; most of it dates back decades and does not meet international safe storage standards,” said security expert Ismat al-Absi. “Storing ageing munitions in open or semi-closed environments without controlled cooling and humidity systems creates what we call a thermal runaway chain reaction.”
Possibility of sabotage
The repeated explosions have led to some fears of sabotage, particularly in light of repeated Israeli attacks against Syria since the fall of al-Assad, many of which have targeted the military, including the August strikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib.
Ozkizilcik noted that there was “no public information about possible sabotage” being behind the weapons depot explosions, and no evidence of any direct Israeli links. But the repeated explosions, coupled with Israel’s attacks in Syria and past intelligence operations against groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah, mean it cannot be totally ruled out.
“Considering that the Israeli media recently wrote about the growing military capabilities of Syria, suspicions grow,” he said.
Al-Absi told Al Jazeera that the wide geographic scope of the explosions nevertheless meant that deliberate interference should be investigated.
“The main loopholes that [could have allowed sabotage operations] are the absence of smart surveillance, relying on traditional human guarding instead of remote sensors and thermal movement detection; weak securing of transport lines and administrative fragmentation,” al-Absi said. “The weakness of security discipline during the restructuring phase of the military institution has made some sites vulnerable to penetration or internal manipulation.”
On the appointment of Edwards, England head coach John Mitchell said: “Since his time with France ended, we have had a conversation about our game, and he expressed an interest in working in an international women’s set-up for the first time.
“He has a huge amount of respect for the Red Roses and what we stand for; he sees it as a privilege to join our environment.
“His coaching credentials are exceptional and his experience at the highest level of the game speaks for itself.
“Defensively, Sarah Hunter is relishing the opportunity to learn from him, alongside the rest of our coaching group, as we head into another exciting Test match against New Zealand.”
Last week, Edwards expressed his desire to return to coaching and be a part of next year’s men’s Six Nations.
Since the Strictly Come Dancing launched on the BBC in 2004 a host of famous faces have tried on a pair of dancing shoes and kept viewers entertained for weeks, but the show has not been without its fair share of tragedy
10:24, 19 Sep 2025Updated 17:11, 19 Sep 2026
Ann died in July this year(Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing has graced our screens for over 20 years now – and sadly, we’ve bid farewell to some of its stars along the way.
The dancing is, undoubtedly, a crucial part of the show, but the charm of the BBC programme also lies in delving into the personal lives and relationships of those participating.
Each week, fans gain an insight into their daily routines and the show casts a new light on both well-known and lesser-known celebrities. Heartbreakingly, over the two decades the programme has been on air, some of its celebrity competitors, staff and even presenters are no longer with us.
Ann Widdecombe
Former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, in July. More than 100 friends, family and colleagues attended her funeral the following month.
After making a name for herself in the world of politics, Ann had been a surprise entry to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 where she was partnered with Anton Du Beke. Despite their low scores, the duo became fan favourites making it all the way to quarter-finals.
Speaking to the Mirror ahead of the Strictly launch this weekend, her old sparring partner Craig Revel Horwood praised her courage.
“She was an amazing human being, and she was brave; brave enough to come on Strictly and give me what for.
“And then we ended up working together really closely for three years after and became good friends, and we’re still in contact, to this day. Well, we were in contact to this very day. It’s such a terrible thing that happened.”
Len Goodman
Just as much a legend as Sir Bruce Forsyth, Len Goodman was a cherished member of the BBC show and head judge from the show’s start until 2016. Len left fans heartbroken after stepping down from the show after 12 years, stating at the time that he didn’t want people to tire of him.
“In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on, he said at the time, ” he said at the time, “This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else.
“It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”
In April 2023, his family confirmed that he had died following a bone cancer diagnosis. He had been living in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent prior to his death. Tributes flooded in for Len, with his Strictly colleagues sharing their love of his brilliant humour and kindness. Claudia Winkleman tweeted: “I’m so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends.”
Meanwhile, Craig Revel Horwood wrote: “I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len.”
Robin Windsor
Professional dancer Robin Windsor’s death in February 2024 left the dancing world devastated and in mourning, with his former co-stars and celebrity partners “broken”.
The performer featured on the programme from 2010 until 2013, but was compelled to withdraw from the show due to a back injury and was replaced by Trent Whiddon. He later revealed he had “no choice” in the matter.
After speaking openly about his battles with mental health and finances, he established his own company offering corporate motivational speaking services and corporate team building.
Robin reflected back in 2022: “Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year. It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit.”
Vincent Simone, who had known Robin since he was 17, revealed that a close friend of the dancer started frantically calling his mates when he went missing. But tragically, they were too late, and Robin, 44, was found dead in a London hotel room.
Vincent, who had plans to collaborate with Robin, shared how his friend’s loss has left him devastated. He told The Mirror: “The first thing I thought of when I opened my eyes this morning was Robin. He was the best man I ever met.
“Robin has had these moments in the past – it was an ongoing problem. He would detach himself from people for two or three days. Then he would come back to the world, to reality. But this time, he didn’t come back.”
Caroline Flack
As soon as Love Island host Caroline Flack stepped onto the dance floor, she dazzled everyone. Paired with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, she triumphed in 2014 by impressing viewers with a series of stunning performances.
But it’s her beautiful Rhumba-inspired showdance to Robbie Williams’ Angels that is forever etched into fans’ memories. Caroline, attached to flowing pieces of fabric, performed a balletic routine with Pasha Kovalev that led them to victory on the show.
Tragically, Caroline took her own life at the age of 40 in 2020.
Lynda Bellingham
Initially known for her comforting ‘Oxo mum’ voice, Lynda became a household name after starring in All Creatures Great and Small, Doctor Who and Second Thoughts, among others.
In 2007, she joined the Loose Women panel and in 2009, she participated in Strictly with Darren Bennett. The duo were eliminated in week four after their Foxtrot to Calendar Girl failed to impress.
Sadly, Lynda was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and passed away just over a year later at the age of 66.
Paul Daniels
Paul, the late husband of Debbie McGee, competed in Strictly seven years before her, in 2010. The magician was partnered with Ola Jordan, but they were unfortunately the second couple to be eliminated from the competition.
He passed away in 2016 at the age of 77. Debbie, who appeared on Strictly a year later, revealed to Hello magazine that performing on the show helped her rebuild her life after the loss of Paul.
“I had the best partner in Giovanni, and I was back in show business again,” she said, “People knew who I was before, but I was still the magician’s assistant. Since Strictly I’ve been Debbie McGee in my own right.
Neale Pirie
The Strictly family was left heartbroken in 2015 following the sudden death of hair stylist Neale Pirie. Neale, 42, had contacted a family member about chest pains, but medics who raced to his Leicester residence were unable to save him
Strictly’s head makeup artist Lisa Armstrong tweeted at the time: “Utterly devastated and heartbroken over the loss of my sidekick and dear friend.” Meanwhile, Karen Hauer, whose hair Neale had styled for her wedding to Kevin Clifton, posted: “Absolutely heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful friend @Nealepirie. I can’t believe your gone. RIP.
Gary Rhodes
TV chef Gary Rhodes left his kitchen behind to take on the ballroom back in 2008, where he was paired with professional dancer Karen Hardy. The duo became the third couple to leave the competition, following Phil Daniels and Gillian Taylforth
.Gary, who received an OBE in 2006, was a renowned restaurateur who had featured on numerous television programmes including MasterChef and Hell’s Kitchen. His passing at 59 sent shockwaves through the culinary community in November 2019.
The chef had fallen ill suddenly at his Dubai residence during downtime whilst recording a new television programme. His family later revealed that his death resulted from a fatal brain haemorrhage after he collapsed.
Gary’s wife of three decades, Jennie Rhodes, was by his side in his final moments as he succumbed to a subdural haematoma following his emergency hospital admission.
Dave Myers
Dave Myers was a fan favourite on Strictly during his time on the show in 2013. The Hairy Bikers star was partnered with Karen Hauer on the show and they made it all the way to week seven.
Sadly, Dave died in February 2024 after a battle with cancer. In a heartbreaking tribute, his co-star Si King wrote: “I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own. Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment.
“My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you God’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”
Jason Wood
Comedian Jason Wood holds the dubious honour of being the first contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004. The funnyman was partnered with professional dancer Kylie Jones, but their performances failed to win over the judges and they were sent packing in the first week.
The inaugural series had nearly half the number of celebrities compared to the current format, with the show running for a mere seven weeks from May to July. Following its massive popularity among viewers, the show returned for a second series just three months later.
Sadly, Jason passed away in his sleep six years after his Strictly stint, at the tender age of 38.
Willie Thorne
Snooker ace Willie Thorne discovered that dancing wasn’t as natural to him as his beloved sport when he took part in the 2007 series alongside Erin Boag. The duo were the third couple to be eliminated, following Brian Capron and Stephanie Beacham, after their Tango to Lisandro Adrover’s Obertura.
Willie was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2015 following routine blood tests ordered by a psychiatrist and underwent treatment. In March 2020, he announced that he had been diagnosed with leukaemia and in June 2020, he was placed in an induced coma after suffering respiratory failure in a Spanish hospital.
A day later, his carer confirmed that he had gone into septic shock and was not responding to treatment. He passed away aged 66 after his life support was withdrawn.
Bill Turnbull
After becoming part of the BBC Breakfast team in 2001 alongside Sian Williams, Sarah Montague, Mishal Husain and Susanna Reid, he stunned viewers by entering the third series of Strictly in 2005.
Teamed up with professional dancer Karen Hardy, the duo became the seventh couple to be eliminated despite impressing both judges and the public. After the programme, Bill went on to enjoy a thriving television career.
But in March 2018, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the year before.He passed away at his Suffolk home on August 31 2022, at just 66 years old. Bill’s devastated wife Sarah, known as Sesi, had issued a statement that was read aloud on BBC Breakfast.
Sir Bruce Forsyth
Recognised as Mr Strictly himself, Sir Bruce Forsyth served as the soul of the BBC dance competition, with much of its initial triumph credited to his role as an extraordinary, affectionate presenter.
The cherished British entertainer enjoyed an enormous career stretching over more than 70 years, during which he fronted numerous game shows including The Generation Game, The Price Is Right and Play Your Cards Right. Guinness World Records also acknowledged him in 2012 as holding the longest television career for a male entertainer.
Co-hosting Strictly alongside Tess Daly from 2004 to 2012, he became famous for his exceptional improvisation skills and informing some of the competition’s weaker dancers that they were his “favourite”.
Following his departure from the programme, he remained at home with spouse Wilnelia Merced, who looked after him whilst he battled poor health during his final years.
His final television appearance came in 2015 on Strictly Children in Need Special, and he subsequently had an operation for his abdominal aortic aneurysm, forcing him to withdraw from presenting the Christmas special. He was hospitalised several more occasions throughout the years with chest infections and passed away from bronchial pneumonia at his Wentworth Estate residence on August 18 2017.
Coleen and Wayne as you’ve never seen them before, as they star in their new Disney+ reality series The Real Rooneys
17:16, 17 Sep 2026Updated 17:18, 17 Sep 2026
Coleen and Wayne Rooney are keeping things real in their latest show
It’s a Premier League makeover for Wayne Rooney, who is embracing his latest position of reality TV star.
Together with wife Coleen and their four boys, Wayne lets the cameras in to the family’s £20million Cheshire mansion to witness the highs and lows of their chaotic family life. “This is a side of us you’ve never seen before,” promises Coleen. Mrs Rooney appears to be spot on. The former number 10 is seen quaffing champagne in a snowsuit, cuddling up to Mickey Mouse and trying to keep up with his growing sons playing football in the garden.
But it’s not all fizz and frolics, Wayne is also filmed being given the hairdryer treatment by Coleen in scenes that could make Sir Alex Ferguson wince. Coleen tells her husband that he’s ruined a family holiday and storms out of shot as the cameras follow them on a beach, leaving Wayne alone and subdued on a sun-lounger contemplating his actions. “The dog house manual? I’m on the third book,” Wazza quips, safely out of Coleen’s ear.
When he’s not receiving instructions on the shopping list or juggling the school run, Wayne is also seen embracing a career pivot to the BBC Sport punditry team. The former England star was a surprise hit at this year’s FIFA World Cup. His no-nonsense commentary and blunt put-downs were a winner with viewers, especially after branding the multi-million pound half-time show ‘crap.’ “I’ll do my job, entertaining the country,” Wayne smirks to the camera, turning on the charm in one of his first TV confessionals.
A summer at the BBC may have signalled a new showbizzy Wayne, but in his new reality series he dives right in.
In the new Disney+ series, Wayne, 40, shares the spotlight with Coleen, 40, and sons Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight.
Reflecting on their incredible turn of fortunes, after meeting as teenagers on a council estate in Liverpool, Coleen says: “This house is everything I’ve dreamed of, the only problem is we’ve got to share it with our four boys.”
Klay is seen being interviewed by an off-camera producer who asks: “Who’s more famous, mum or dad?” He replies: “My dad. My mum is only known because of my dad.” Wayne also confirms the couple will not have any more children, saying: “No chance, I’ll have the snip.” Coleen references her court case against fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy and her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as she works on developing a collection with Primark and filming a TV advert alongside actor Danny Dyer. She says: “Since the court case and then the jungle, it’s opened up a lot of doors.” Wayne is also seen in his natural habitat, revelling in having a kick around with eldest son Kai, who is a forward for Manchester United’s youth academy.
Later in the trailer, Wayne holds Coleen up in his arms as they recreate the Dirty Dancing lift.
“It feels like we’re on the edge of a new life,” the mum says in a voiceover.
Wayne also appears to be fully in the grips of a new look. The footballer appears to have undergone a glossy glow-up to match his new on-screen ‘fun dad’ persona.
Ditching his beard for some rugged manscaping, the ex England captain appears noticeably more primped and preened for the small screen. Growing out his salt and pepper hair, Wayne is happy to show off his locks after his many famous hair transplants over the years.
He underwent his first back in 2011, “I was going bald at 25 why not. I’m delighted with the result,” he previously said.
This year Wayne also revealed he had gone under the knife to have nose surgery to correct long-term breathing difficulties from breaking his nose twice during his playing career
Ready for his close-ups, the former striker is also smiling a little more brightly – sporting some straighter white teeth.
They are the latest footballing family to join the race to become Britain’s next reality star. They follow The Vardys on ITV and the Owens after Michael and his family also let the cameras in for Prime Video with Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy set to follow suit in the new year.
The Real Rooneys will launch on September 24 on Disney+.
If you’re looking for a Netflix series to watch, this show already has two seasons available and it’s so good, viewers will happily stay up all night watching every episode
Kate Hudson and Max Greenfield both star in the series(Image: Kat Marcinowski/Netflix 2024)
The show is so addictive, viewers will happily stay up late to binge as many episodes as they can. Two seasons are currently available to watch and the streaming platform even confirmed in May this year a third season will be on the cards. Social media users recently shed light on the comedy series which stars Kate Hudson and Max Greenfield. So what show is everyone talking about?
Running Point, a sport comedy series, follows Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson), who’s unexpectedly put in charge of her family’s pro basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves.
The reformed party girl has a lot to prove as she soon learns that running a basketball team comes with its own set of challenges both on and off the court.
Over on Reddit, many people who have already watched both seasons had really good reviews about the Netflix series. One person wrote in the Running Point forum: “Just started this show, I LOVE IT!
“Last night I was endlessly scrolling through comedy shows on Netflix and nothing was sticking. I decided to start Running Point (with low expectations) and it immediately hooked me. I stayed up all night and just started season 2.”
Speaking about the entire cast, which also features Drew Tarver, who plays Sandy Gordon, Isla’s younger half-brother and chief financial officer of the Waves, Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon, the older brother and general manager of the team, and Brenda Song as Ali Lee, Isla’s college roommate, best friend and chief of staff.
The person continued: “Kate Hudson absolutely crushes her role as President of the Waves.”
Over in the comments section, other people agreed Running Point has been a good watch. Someone said: “Oh my gosh yes! This was my first thought when I watched this show, all the similarities to Arrested Development.
“It’s so great. My personal favourite is Ness and all his quirkiness and how funny he is.”
A third admitted: “I came across it last weekend. Binged it in 2 days.” And a fourth chimed in: “My family and I started it like a week ago and we already finished it, so funny! Ness is hands down my favourite character, and I really like Sandy.”
Season 2 premiered in April this year, while Netflix announced a month later the series would be renewed for a third season. While an official release date is not finalised, previous release patterns suggest season 3 could be out around early 2027.
Saudi digital payments company barq announced the close of a series A funding round worth $329.5 million, at a valuation of $1.85 billion, marking a new milestone that reflects the growth the company has achieved since its launch. The funding round cements its position among the fastest-growing fintech companies in Saudi Arabia and the region.
The round saw participation from Noon Investments, Sohar International Bank, and M20 Fund, a step that reflects investor confidence in barq’s trajectory and future potential, and underscores the appeal of the investment opportunities emerging in the fintech sector across the Kingdom and the region.
The round follows a standout growth journey for barq, which has now surpassed 15 million users within two years, from more than 210 nationalities, alongside the expansion of its ecosystem of digital financial services and solutions — reflecting the growing demand for the company’s products and its ability to build a broad user base within a record period of time.
The value of funds processed has also surpassed SR440 billion ($117.2 billion), an indicator that reflects the scale of activity barq has achieved and the widening use of its digital financial services since launch.
Based on its valuation, barq has become one of the fastest companies in the region to reach unicorn status, and among the fastest globally within the fintech sector, reflecting the pace of growth the company has achieved within a short period since its launch.
The funding round will support barq’s next phase of growth, by strengthening operational efficiency, accelerating the development of products and services, investing in new financial and technology solutions, and expanding into new regional and international markets — contributing to delivering a more advanced and accessible digital financial experience for users.
This achievement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector is undergoing exceptional development, driven by continued progress in financial and digital infrastructure, a supportive regulatory environment, the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, and the Saudi Central Bank’s efforts to advance digital payments and support innovation in financial services.
The close of the round marks a major milestone in barq’s journey, reflecting its ability to move within a short period from a phase of rapid growth to building a broad-scale digital financial platform, underpinned by a growing user base, an increasing volume of operations, and expansion ambitions aimed at strengthening its presence in the fintech sector at both the regional and international levels.
The original 7 Up kids have returned for one final series of the groundbreaking social experiment.
70 Up is coming to an end (Image: Nick Wall/ITV)
70 Up viewers have shared their reaction to the series coming to an end, as the groundbreaking social experiment reaches its final chapter.
14 children, consisting of ten schoolboys and four little girls, gave cameras an insight into their lives back in 1964. Every seven years since, they’ve continued to show a glimpse of their story, from education, their early careers, marriages, raising children and retirement.
ITV has now returned one final time, for 70 Up. The synopsis previously teased: “Seven decades. One extraordinary experiment. The groundbreaking documentary series returns to meet the people we first saw as 7-year-olds as they reflect on life at 70.”
As well as several of the original children returning, now in their 70s, the programme paid tribute to two who have died, Nick and Lynn, and features Charles, who stopped taking part in the franchise from his 20s.
Viewers have admitted they found the series “heartbreaking”, as one person said: “I’m bawling already knowing Nick is no longer with us.” Another agreed, saying: “I’ve watched this all my life, makes me sad and reflective I’m the same age.”
Someone else wrote: “I admit to having shed a few tears, watching tonight. I’ve grown up with them. It’s been wonderful.” Another commented: “Absolutely, life’s ups and downs, at 7 full of hope and life, I feel i know these people, I don’t.”
Someone else said: “All of it is making me very emotional. In the blink of an eye, hopes and aspirations are just distant memories and time has run out. Life is over so very quickly . Too quickly.”
Another said: “I hope you’re watching seventy Up It’s heartbreaking.” Another added: “The sadness in watching #70UP is not only the lives drawing to a close and the challenges facing individuals but also the knowledge that television will never again be this ambitious.”
One person added: “Ah even a glimpse of Neil on #70UP bring the tears, watched religiously with mum and dad growing up, comparing, dreaming, crying, feel so blessed watching but also wish these were longer eps, I could watch for hours more…. this programme was a huge part of how I learned about life and my country.”
Several others called Neil’s journey heartbreaking and sad, after he opened up about his loneliness and being homeless at times in his life, candidly sharing his struggles. One person said: “I’ve watched all of these series from the get go even though I’m no where near their age group, just to add! It’s made me feel quite reflective on my own life, quite emotional really. But watching Neil’s story has flawed me, big time! His loneliness is a hard watch.”
Another echoed: “Watching #70Up. Neil breaks my heart every 7 years. He was such a happy little boy.” Yet another wrote: “Ooh that was a hard watch at times.” One person added: “I was in tears even from the opening titles Such a touching and interesting series.”
Ahead of the series airing, Jo Clinton-Davis, controller of factual ITV and commissioner of 70 Up, said: “The 7 Up story is much more than a TV documentary, it’s a document of our times. A truly distinctive landmark piece of film-making that has become part of our cultural fabric.
“In the evolving stories of our cast we see the universal themes of life play out. It is the series that made me want to get into television. It is the series that I am beyond proud of having been involved in since 56 Up. It is a tribute to Michael Apted who will forever be associated with it and to the continued dedication and remarkable skill of Claire Lewis.
“Yet in Asif Kapadia we have an outstanding director who will bring his passion, creativity and incredible flair whilst safeguarding the very precious ‘Up’ legacy. Ultimately, this is a tribute to the courage of all the cast who continue to share their lives with us so we can see our lives in them.”
Vigil aired its explosive finale on Monday night as series three came to an end
22:52, 14 Sep 2026Updated 22:57, 14 Sep 2026
Vigil aired its explosive finale on Monday night as series three came to an end (Image: BBC / World Productions / Mark Mainz)
Vigil viewers were all quick to make the same demand on Monday as series three came to an end.
The hit BBC detective drama sees Suranne Jones as DCI Amy Silva and Rose Leslie as DI Kirsten Longacre. Series three has seen the murder of a British citizen in the Arctic, leading to DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre investigating the case.
It wasn’t long until Amy looked into a possible conspiracy on Scottish soil while Kirsten came up against uncooperative Russian inhabitants, who claimed foul play and obstructed her at every turn. As expected with Vigil, soon many twists came about, including the discovery of a missing person…
After five episodes full of suspense, Monday night saw the series finale as Amy and Kirsten returned to Scotland, only for danger to follow them there.
Meanwhile, Amy found herself on the wrong side of the law, and Kirsten put herself in danger to keep Amy safe and to get to the truth while under immense political pressure and personal jeopardy. The duo were faced with the hardest choice of their careers yet…
After Sir Ian Downing was arrested and politician Gordon Laity, Shen Jia was finally safe and able to share her research with the world. However, it was heartbreaking news for Amy as she faced severe action for refusing to hand Shen Jia over to the authorities.
Speaking to her boss, Amy asked: “Are you going to arrest me now?” to which he responded: “No, I don’t think there’ll be an appetite to bring charges… provided…”
With Amy answering: “Provided I resign?” to which her boss emotionally confirmed her question, saying he doesn’t like the idea but he doesn’t want to see her in prison either.
Amy then declared: “It’s been a privilege to work with you, sir” as she shook his hand. Meanwhile, emotional partner Kirsten said: “A wise colleague of mine once told me to never make this job personal” to which Amy insisted she has no regrets before walking off hand-in-hand with Kirsten.
Following the finale, viewers were quick to take to Twitter, now X, to share their thoughts, demanding a series four. One person said: “brilliant series enjoyed every episode more please #Vigil.”
A different account wrote: “End of the series. A fantastic series! #Vigil” while another fan put: “#vigil What a brilliant series.”
Elsewhere, another show watcher commented: “Vigil with the wildly talented Suranne Jones is a terrific tension filled mystery. The gripping drama, Line of Duty meets 24 with a hint of Chain Reaction, is f***in awesome. Support includes Rose Leslie as Detective Inspector Kirsten Longacre. Season 4? #Vigil.”
Will there be a Vigil season 4?
Only recently, creator Tom Edge teased whether viewers could see the duo return for a fourth series. Speaking exclusively to Radio Times, the writer said: “Regrettably, the world remains complicated and finds new ways to evolve towards instability, danger and the rest. So I don’t think we would ever find ourselves short of stories.”
He added: “I think certainly this time around, we put the show in a place where we feel that this arc across three seasons has been settled.
“I think we will see how it goes. But one of the pleasures of the show is it doesn’t feel like it is a show that has to return on an annual ticking clock basis. So I think we can leave it open, but certainly for this season, it felt like it was the culmination of a bunch of questions that we’ve asked across three seasons. I was happy to take it to that point.”
Los Angeles: The brightest stars in television are set to walk the red carpet Monday at the Emmy Awards, with horror-comedy series “Widow’s Bay” and gritty hospital drama “The Pitt” expected to win big.
Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay,” which stars Matthew Rhys as the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, has emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year.
“People just love that show,” Christopher Rosen, deputy editor of Hollywood news outlet The Ankler, told AFP.
It scooped up eight awards in the pre-gala ceremonies, and is in position to become the most awarded comedy series in a single year, surpassing the 13 trophies won last year by Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire “The Studio.”
Rosen said he believes that Rhys — a winner for best drama actor for “The Americans” in 2018 — could now earn his first comedy Emmy.
A strong night for “Widow’s Bay” does not bode well for “Hacks,” the tale of a stand-up comedian trying to revive her career and the dysfunctional millennial assistant who helps her.
Its one solid bet left in the running – and maybe its only statuette, says Rosen – is a best actress prize for Jean Smart.
“That’s a great way to honor the final season,” Rosen told AFP. “She’s never lost from playing this part. I don’t see why she would lose for the final season.”
Smart, who turned 75 on Sunday, has won four Emmys for the show so far.
A win on Monday would give her eight acting Emmys, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever by a performer. Allison Janney is also vying for her eighth Emmy, for “The Diplomat.”
’The Pitt’ expected to repeat as best drama
“The Pitt,” last year’s winner for best drama, follows the stressed-out workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time.
Tackling everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the show is the odds-on favorite to sweep several drama prizes including best series.
“If ‘The Pitt’ doesn’t win, it would be a tremendous shock,” Rosen said.
It led all shows with 25 nominations, and already won four awards in the early ceremonies, including best casting for a drama series.
Star Noah Wyle, who has racked up awards over the past year including an Emmy, is expected to triumph again. Seven of his co-stars are hopefuls in the supporting acting categories.
For best drama actress, Rosen says it will be a race between “Pluribus” star Rhea Seehorn and Keri Russell for political soap opera “The Diplomat.”
In the limited series categories, HBO Max’s “DTF St Louis” – the tale of a middle-aged love triangle gone wrong – is a top contender.
The show has scooped up six prizes so far, including two for actors David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.
Dolly tribute
The 78th Emmy Awards gala will be hosted by “Law and Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay, who won two Emmys for her documentary “My Mom Jayne.”
It will feature a tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton, who was also an Emmy winner, and a performance from Noah Kahan, who will sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the broadcast’s In Memoriam segment.
The gala also will deliver some TV nostalgia, with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz among the presenters, along with “Charlie’s Angels” stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith.
Zendaya, a past winner and current nominee for best drama actress for “Euphoria,” is on the list of presenters, guaranteeing at least one bona fide red carpet moment.
The Emmys ceremony begins at 5:00 pm Monday (0000 GMT Tuesday).
Tries: de Allende (2), van den Berg, PS du Toit, Arendse, Hanekom Cons: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), van den Berg, Libbok (2) Pens: Feinberg-Mngomezulu
New Zealand (14) 28
Tries: Taylor, Jordan, Blackadder, B Barrett Cons: McKenzie (4)
South Africa completed a 3-1 series win over New Zealand as the world champions’ consistency, power and cohesion once again proved too much in the fourth Test in Baltimore.
After victory in the series opener in Johannesburg last month, the All Blacks jumped to the top of the world rankings and threatened to shake up rugby’s world order.
However, South Africa clawed their way back to triumph – just as their director of rugby Rassie Erasmus had predicted.
While New Zealand were spirited and skilful in pursuit of a win to square the series, the Springboks’ go-forward up front and the depth of their bench kept the All Blacks at bay.
The match played out in front of a near-capacity crowd of 68,173 at the M&T Bank Stadium, the largest-ever crowd to watch a rugby match in the USA.
A successful stateside excursion completes a series that has been compelling viewing and stress-tested both sides’ aspirations of lifting the Rugby World Cup next year – the two nations have won the past five editions of the tournament.
It was New Zealand who started fastest in Maryland on Saturday.
Eight minutes in, their breathtakingly quick tiki-taka catch-pass, with the backline holding their depth, outflanked South Africa’s blitz defence to set up the first try of the match for hooker Codie Taylor.
However, the Springboks’ brute strength in the close quarters meant they could collect points without needing to resort to such high-risk passages of play.
With their forward pack on top in the scrum and winning collisions, Damian de Allende burrowed over from short range, before scrum-half Morne van den Berg flashed a dummy and darted past Sam Darry for a similar score.
Those tries opened up a 17-7 lead for the Springboks. With Eben Etzebeth crunching returning New Zealand fly-half Richie Mo’unga in the tackle and Jasper Wiese stampeding around in the loose, the Boks seemed poised to stretch away and out of sight.
Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who had pushed a long-range penalty to the right of the uprights early on, missed a drop-goal shot. An overcooked attempt to find the corner also cost his team.
New Zealand’s combination of hard toil and sparkling hands then bought them a way back into the game just before half-time.
Will Jordan, his nation’s all-time leading try-scorer, streaked off his wing on a superb line to dunk down over the line at the end of 32 draining phases.
Four points down at the break, Dave Rennie’s side had hopes of taking home half of a specially-designed series trophy, which, held together by magnets, can be shared between the two sides.
But South Africa ensured that innovation went unused.
Malcolm Marx trundled over at the back of a rolling maul after the interval and, three minutes later, Pieter-Steph du Toit barged over after a sharp blindside break by the impressive Van den Berg.
Ethan Blackadder’s score in the final quarter cut the Boks’ lead to eight points, but South Africa hit the accelerator once again as the toll taken by a high-paced match and a long tour caught up on both teams and space opened up.
Kurt-Lee Arendse sliced through open field after Damian McKenzie had broken through in the opposite direction, but Josh Moorby failed to gather his pass.
Four minutes later, Cameron Hanekom scooped up scrappy ball to put the result beyond doubt and render replacement Beauden Barrett’s late try only a footnote.
South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, de Allende, Hooker; Feinberg-Mngomezulu, van den Berg; Nche, Marx, Louw, Etzebeth, Nortje, Kolisi, du Toit, Wiese
Replacements: Fourie, Steenekamp, du Toit, de Jager, Esterhuizen, Hanekom, Reinach, Libbok
New Zealand: McKenzie; Jordan, Lienert-Brown, Barrett, Moorby; Mo’unga, Roigard; de Groot, Taylor, Newell, Tuipulotu, Darry, Vaa’i, Blackadder, Lakai
England overcome early tremors to win third Test against Pakistan by eight wickets, clinching a series whitewash.
Published On 12 Sep 202612 Sep 2026
Joe Root led from the front as England survived a major wobble to beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third Test at Edgbaston on Saturday, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash.
The home team, chasing just 130 to win, were in deep trouble when openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay were dismissed in the first over, bowled by Mohammad Abbas.
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Root, England’s record runscorer, edged his first ball, bowled by Razaullah, through the slips for four in a nervy start but settled and scored quickly to take the sting out of the situation.
England captain Joe Root bats during day four of the third Test at Edgbaston [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]
The skipper was given a huge reprieve when he chopped onto the stumps off Mohammad Ali, only for the umpire to signal a no-ball, leaving the bowler distraught.
Root, with Jordan Cox at the other end, had another let-off when he edged an Abbas delivery between first and second slip, with neither fielder moving.
But he reached his half-century off 57 balls with a cut for four, and Cox matched him shortly afterwards.
England reached their target in the 25th over, with Root unbeaten on 62 and Cox 59 not out.
Jordan Cox (left) and Joe Root of England leave the field after winning the third Test [Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Root, in his second spell as England skipper after the departure of Ben Stokes, admitted his team were not the finished article but said he was delighted with their series win.
“The amount of uncertainty, noise and I guess chaos there was coming into the series, the way the guys have dealt with that – being so clinical with what we’ve had in front of us – and be stood here with a 3-0 win is really pleasing,” Root told Sky Sports.
“It sets us up nicely looking ahead to the start of a new era with (new head coach) Stephen Fleming coming in.”
Pakistan woes
It is England’s first Test series win since 2024, while Pakistan have now lost 16 of their last 21 games and are bottom of the World Test Championship table.
Root’s men had appeared set for a quickfire win inside three days on Friday before debutant fast bowler Razaullah launched an audacious assault with the bat, clubbing nine sixes as he raced to 81 off 63 balls.
The 21-year-old number nine, who also took four wickets in England’s first innings, put on 121 for the ninth wicket with fellow paceman Abbas (42) as England floundered.
Pakistan’s Razaullah laughs after surviving an LBW on day three [Darren Staples/AFP]
“We had a little bit of pushback yesterday which, in a strange way, was quite a good thing for the group,” said Root.
“Fair play to Razaullah; he made things difficult for us. He played some wonderful shots and made it very difficult to set fields to. He struck the ball nicely – I don’t know how he didn’t pull a muscle, swinging the bat that hard.”
The tourists sent seven players home after their crushing defeat in the second Test at Lord’s and brought in seven replacements, with Razaullah among them.
They also sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul as their tour plunged into chaos.
The Pakistan team leave the field after bowling out England during the second day of the third Test [Philip Brown/Getty Images]
Pakistan made four changes to their side for the third Test, and they put up a fight despite being dismissed for a paltry 133 in their first innings.
Captain Babar Azam admitted his team would have to take stock after a one-sided series.
“Before we came here, we had to think about different things and to decide our team,” he said.
“We had a couple of changes after losing two matches. Playing in England is very difficult. We were trying to do our best in the third match.
“We need to sit down and look hard at our mistakes, decide our playing XI.”
The 3-0 whitewash is a huge tonic for England, who were in turmoil just weeks ago following a series loss to New Zealand and the exits of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes.
But tougher challenges lie ahead, starting with a Test series in South Africa in December and January, while a home Ashes looms next year.
GEMMA Collins’ fiancé Rami Hawash has admitted to having a drinking problem.
Gemma, 45, has revealed viewers will see how Rami’s alcohol dependency impacted their relationship in Gemma Collins: Everything. All At Once.
Gemma Collins’ fiancé Rami Hawash has opened up about his alcohol dependencyCredit: Instagram/@rami_hawash_Her reality series Gemma Collins: Everything. All At Once debuts on September 15Credit: Getty
The upcoming reality series officially debuts on Sky and NOW on September 15.
Speaking at the show’s launch, Rami shared: “I drink, I’ve got a drink problem and I don’t want to hide it.
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“I wanted people to know it is a problem. I’ve got a problem and life is not that great.
“I don’t know why, but I find the drink, it was like, kind of my friend. You know, I have a few drinks and I’m forgetting everything.”
The couple originally met in 2011 and got engaged in 2013, but this was later broken offCredit: InstagramThe couple are thought to have gotten back together in 2023Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, Gemma said of her experience in the documentary: “You can see I’m unwell.
“You can see I’m not in my best, and life just got progressively worse as I let the cameras in. It was hell.
“But you know, one thing my mum taught me wasresilience, I’m resilient to get through all this really.
“It can get better. So let’s hope everything starts to get better now because I can’t take any more. I need a break.”
After Brian Koppelman and David Levien wrapped their hit Showtime series “Billions,” the co-creators were undecided about where they would go next. A more than hourlong visit from a Netflix executive settled it.
Netflix had been developing a Las Vegas drama with Martin Scorsese, who is executive producing through his Sikelia Productions. The streamer brought in Koppelman and Levien, and the pair pitched a present-day casino story. Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of U.S. and Canada scripted series, went to their office to make the case.
“When she left our office, we looked at each other and said, ‘Well, whatever we do, we want to do it with her,’” said Koppelman, recalling their meeting from two years ago. Their new Las Vegas series, “The Roman” starring Oscar Issac as a casino president, is expected to be released year. Netflix ordered it in December.
Howe has one of the hardest jobs in Hollywood — finding must-see scripted programs that keep Netflix’s subscribers watching. The company said it had over 325 million paid subscribers worldwide at the end of 2025. Her instincts for creators, combined with years as an entertainment executive and a lifelong viewer have given her a track record of championing hits, including thriller “The Night Agent,” drama “The Diplomat” and Regency-era romance “Bridgerton.”
That led to her promotion last year as head of U.S. and Canada scripted series — her fourth advancement in four years. She succeeded Peter Friedlander, who left after nearly 14 years, and reports to Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria.
“In my role, I feel I am really ear to the ground, really listening to what audiences are asking for, and really trying to understand where the culture is, where the conversation is, to really make sure we’re giving these audiences what it is that they want and they crave,” said Howe, 48.
The pressure is on. Key franchises are in their final seasons. “Stranger Things” ended in December, “Outer Banks” concluded with its fifth season last month and “Emily in Paris” finishes with its sixth season in December. Netflix has confirmed that the fifth season of legal drama “The Lincoln Lawyer” will be its last.
Wall Street has soured. Netflix shares, which closed Thursday $76.01, are down 39% over the past 12 months, a slide that began with its $83-billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery in December — a deal it later walked away from — and continued through 2026 when the company lowered its growth projections.
Analysts have also flagged sluggish engagement growth. View hours rose about 2% in the first half of 2026 compared with a year earlier, even as content spending climbed.
After graduating from UCLA, Jinny Howe worked at Brillstein Entertainment Partners and John Wells Productions before joining Netflix in 2018.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
Nonetheless, Howe is confident that Netflix continues to outshine its competitors, noting that the streamer is still in a “growth mindset” that bets on original ideas. The streamer also has franchises that continue to pull in large audiences, such as the fourth season of “Bridgerton,” she said.
“We’re not slowing down at all,” Howe said.
This year her department has a slate of 44 new and returning scripted series from the U.S. and Canada, excluding stand-up, comedy formats and adult animation. They span genres and mix seasoned showrunners and bets on emerging talent. Six are run by first-time female showrunners, a notable number at a time when the industry has cut back and women have historically had fewer chances to lead series. Those programs include “East of Eden,” a series based on the popular John Steinbeck novel; YA drama “The Body” and “A Different World,” a sequel series based on the NBC sitcom about Black students at a fictional college.
Howe leads a team of people spanning the U.S. and Canada, with hubs in Los Angeles and Toronto. While she is accountable for the U.S. and Canada scripted slate, the decisions are made in partnership with her team.
Scripted series out of the U.S. and Canada remain central to the business. Many of Netflix’s most-watched shows of all time come from the region, which accounts for about 40% of global revenue — the streamer’s largest market. Netflix reported 89.6 million memberships in the U.S. and Canada at the end of 2024, the last time it broke out regional numbers.
“There’s so many amazing creators and stories to be told from the U.S. and Canada and historically, English language scripted television for many, many years has traveled to lots of different countries around the world,” Bajaria said.
The region also drives Netflix’s awards profile. The streamer collected 111 Emmy nominations in July, second to HBO Max’s 122. Netflix says 83 of them came from scripted series and variety specials under Howe’s slate. “Beef” season 2 led Netflix’s titles receiving Emmy recognition with 16 nominations.
Competition for attention is fierce. Rival streamers are investing in live sports, and YouTube continues to take a significant share of TV viewing time in the U.S. Netflix has responded by adding video podcasts, sports and games to its lineup. It also lacks the deep historic library some competitors hold — the gap its failed Warner Bros. bid would have closed.
Then the Duffers agreed to produce a show created by Haley Z. Boston, the horror series “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen,” about a woman who is cursed and could die if she doesn’t marry her soulmate. Other studios didn’t see Boston as the showrunner, but Howe and Netflix did.
“We need people to take chances on us,” 31-year-old Boston said. “There is still a glass ceiling … I’m excited about new future where you don’t have to have done the job already to do it. All you need is the right support.”
The series debuted at No. 2 on the streamer’s global top 10 English language shows and reached 20.3 million views on Netflix in the first half of this year, according to the streamer.
“Netflix had the confidence that we can find the right audience for this,” she said.
Connecting with a range of storytellers early is part of the strategy. Howe’s relationship with creator Molly Smith Metzler goes back about a decade, to when Metzler submitted her play “Elemeno Pea” while Howe was working at John Wells Productions. Howe was impressed and recommended her for the “Shameless” writers room. Metzler went on to lead the critically acclaimed 2021 limited series “Maid” for Netflix, her first job as a showrunner, and signed an overall deal with the streamer in early 2022.
One of Howe’s ideas was to build a series out of “Elemeno Pea.” That became the drama “Sirens,” starring Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock and Julianne Moore. Released in 2025, it debuted at No. 1 on Netflix’s global top 10 and earned four Emmy nominations, including a surprise lead actress nod for Fahy.
“We spent so many cups of coffee and walks talking about what that could be and what it could look like, and we really built it from the ground up,” Metzler said. “She is very hardworking, and she’s extremely committed to the projects she does. That commitment and that rigor is contagious.”
Jinny Howe, who grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, is one of the few prominent Asian American content leaders in Hollywood.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
In her soul, Howe said, she’s a producer first. Koppelman and Levien said she was instrumental in the casting “The Roman,” including speaking with some of the leading actors. Alongside Isaac, the series stars Betty Gilpin, Alec Baldwin, Jimmy O. Yang and Jason Schwartzman.
“This would not have come together had Ginny not rolled up her sleeves,” Koppelman said. “When we look at this cast, sometimes we can’t really believe what got put together.”
Howe and Netflix also supported showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine’s push to make a version of “Little House on the Prairie” that includes more of the Osage perspective.
“She was very open to a vision that explored all the things that we wanted to explore in this show,” Sonnenshine said.
Howe grew up in Walnut, in the San Gabriel Valley, a self-described latchkey kid and the daughter of a residential real estate agent and a women’s clothing store owner. She was born in Seoul and immigrated to California when she was 15 months old.
“So I really am a California girl, I grew up just adjacent to the glittering lights of Hollywood, but close enough to know that there was a real business there,” Howe said.
While her parents worked, she and her brother watched a lot of TV, sitcoms like “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Small Wonder” and soaps like “Dynasty” and “Dallas.” That turned into a career. She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor of arts degree in theater, film and television, worked in the talent division at Brillstein Entertainment Partners and rose to executive vice president of television at John Wells Productions before joining Netflix in 2018.
She is one of the few prominent Asian American content leaders in Hollywood, in a position that helps shape what the world watches.
“I definitely do feel it’s not something I take for granted to be in these rooms and to know that my voice matters,” Howe said. “I get to be a decision-maker in a lot of these conversations. It’s really gratifying, and it’s something that I think is not lost on me at all.”
ITV is set to broadcast a 24-hour live stream from the Big Brother house ahead of the new series
Big Brother is returning to our screens in just a few days(Image: Vianney Le Caer/Shutterstock for Big Brother)
Big Brother fans have been begging ITV to resurrect the show’s beloved round-the-clock live stream.
It appears show bosses have finally listened, but there’s a brutal catch that has left viewers fuming. Rather than giving fans unfiltered access to watch the Housemates in their new home, ITV is handing the keys over to content creator crew The Bov Boys.
The social media influencers will occupy the property for a full 24 hours before this year’s contestants walk through the door. The broadcaster confirmed the twist on Thursday (September 10), revealing that the Manchester lads will move in on Saturday (September 12) as producers apply the finishing touches ahead of Sunday’s official series launch.
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The stream will run continuously on Twitch and YouTube, giving viewers a preview of the brand-new house. The official synopsis promises plenty of entertainment, teasing: “Viewers can watch the takeover unfold live for the full 24 hours, with the action streaming continuously across Twitch and YouTube.
“From the moment they arrive until they’re finally sent packing, viewers will have an exclusive, around-the-clock look at all the drama, antics and action inside the House.”
ITV viewers will no doubt recognise The Bov Boys member Angry Ginge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, following his triumphant appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! just last year. The rest of the crew consists of Tays, Jakey Davies, Heinz Baines and Chazza.
However, Heinz Baines will not be taking part in the stream due to a “family commitment,” reports OK! The popular social media group won’t be the only influencers getting a sneak peek at the iconic house, they have also extended invitations to fellow creators Adeola Patronne, Mariam Musa, Shauna Games, Scouse Mali and Pieface.
The announcement has been greeted with some excitement, with one Instagram fan gushing: “This feels like Christmas came early,” and a second agreeing: “THIS IS INCREDIBLE! “Let’s go lads this is huge”
Someone else raved: “OMG my 2 favourites together can’t wait BIG BROTHER BOV HOUSE.” However, other viewers have labelled the twist a “slap in the face”, given that fans have been pleading with producers to bring back the show’s much-loved 24-hour live stream feeds of the actual Housemates.
A furious fan posted: “Load of c**p. You can’t give us live feed for the main series but will stream the dry run,” with a second adding: “Sorry but are you actually trying to annoy your fans @bbuk?! You’ll do a 24/7 live stream for a bunch of randoms testing the house, but won’t do any live stream at all for the actual show?!”
Yet another viewer critiqued: “I find it really wild that the Big Brother producers promote a pre-series live stream with content creators going in, but can’t invest in a consistent series long live stream. It’s really sad. #BBUK.”
Big Brother x Bov Boys 24-Hour Takeover will be a live co-stream on The Bov Boys’ individual Twitch accounts, plus a live stream on BBUK and ITV YouTube accounts from Saturday 12th September at 12pm.
The series launches on Sunday (September 13) at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
It’s been five years since “Call My Agent!,” known in its home country as “Dix pour cent” (“10 percent”), ended with the staff of Paris’ bankrupt ASK talent agency moving en masse toward the exit, as in the closing moments of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
The rich workplace comedy mounted four seasons from 2015 to 2020; the fourth was made without its creator, Fanny Herrero (she went on to create the fine but less successful “Standing Up,” about Parisian comics). But she has returned, along with “Standing Up” writer Lison Daniel, for “Call My Agent! The Movie,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, which picks up the scattered ensemble more or less where they imagined they’d be when the series ended, and gets them back in the same frame.
As a movie, it’s its own sort of beast — a complete statement in a single package, with not just A and B stories, but C and D as well, and arcs that might develop over a season of the show compressed into a couple of hours. But its essentials are essentially unchanged: It’s still about the difficulty of making art, and the often unsavory business that lets art get made, with known actors playing fun house versions of themselves and our heroes attempting to wrangle them into order, with whatever works — lies, bribes, real shared feelings. The regular cast, many of whom Americans will first have met here, still feel identical with their characters, rather than just professionals who have been paid to play them, so that even when the action is outlandish the emotions are real.
The focus here is on the fierce Andréa (Camille Cottin), who has left agenting and is about to direct her first movie, a drama set in the woods, and Noémie (Laure Calamy), whom Andrea hires as a replacement producer — she has become the producer of a hit workplace comedy, “Les Colleagues,” the sort of show that produces a lot of branded merch — believing that she can mold Noémie to her will. On the domestic front, Andréa separated from partner Colette (Ophélia Kolb), a co-parent to her daughter Flora — some sticky questions will arrive, doubling the pressure.
Noémie is still with Mathias (Thibault de Montalembert), once the most formidable of agents, who has quieted down somewhat owing to a Season 4 heart attack, and the fact that he’s working in the agency his daughter Camille (Fanny Sidney) announced at the end of the series. He’s feeling old (comparatively, he is, at 64 — though Liliane Rovère as agent emeritus Arlette beats him at 93) and things with Noémie are not great, which sets the stage for some romantic comedy, including a wild boar.
Andréa’s movie brings the old cast together, including sensitive junior agent turned aspiring actor Hervé (Nicolas Maury), and I am glad to see them. (Stéfi Celma’s Sophia, a receptionist turned actor, is sadly missing.) Much goes wrong, before things go right. (It’s a comedy, they will — though there are some moving dramatic moments along the way.) To be sure, there are no backstage comedies — or dramas, or dramedies — in which nothing goes wrong, or things even go mostly right. Disaster is the air they breathe.
On the eve of production, Andrea loses her male lead (Laurent Lafitte as himself) to a Wes Anderson movie; the psychologically delicate actor they get to replace him, Vincent Macaigne as himself, who’s represented by former ASK agent Gabriel (Grégory Montel), now working for their old rival, has a messy history with the other lead, Laetitia Casta, also as herself. They can barely work together. (There will be a bit of romantic comedy wrapped around this thread, as well.)
Then there’s a storm.
The French actors playing themselves are not well known here — Casta may be more familiar as a ’90s supermodel, for those who are familiar with that sort of thing — but Americans have been given the gift of cameos from Eva Longoria and an uncredited George Clooney who takes a comically unproductive lunch meeting with Andrea, crashed, in more than one sense, by Noémie.
Though the series finale made for a satisfying ending, there was already talk then of another season or a film. Still, “The Movie” arrives seemingly out of left field, as sort of a happy surprise. It doesn’t betray its legacy. We know from the supermarket magazines and internet scandal sites that some actors are seemingly as crazy as these actors pretend to be. But somehow movies get made. Most every show business satire is also a show business celebration. There’s no business like it.
Glasgow-based star Calum, 31, first joined the Channel 4 programme last September, alongside his best friend Jake, 27. But now, Calum has left the series after emigrating to Australia with his partner.
Speaking about the move, Calum said: “I am very far away from Scotland right now, and that’s because me and my partner have moved to Australia. That means a few things, the most obvious one being that unfortunately I am leaving the show.
“I had the most wonderful time, and I can’t sing the praises enough of everyone on and off camera, the entire Gogglebox family, so it’s very bittersweet to be leaving.” Calum will be replaced by Jake’s childhood friend, Louis, 28, who will make his debut on Gogglebox this Friday (September 11) at 9pm on Channel 4.
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The actress has reportedly been cast as one of the four leads in Netflix’s Feral, a “darkly comedic thriller series based on a 1987 novel by Shirley Conran”, Deadline shared. The news outlet teased: “In the series, four very different women learn to survive on a lethal tropical island after their mining exec husbands are kidnapped. The question is, can they put aside their differences, their self-doubts, and their vanities to stay alive?”
Her latest reported project is based on Shirley Conran’s novel, Savages, which “deals with five women, transformed from wives of the powerful rich executives to widows in the jungle, coming face to face with the savage inside themselves”. The story has been described by readers as a “female Lord of the Flies” and has recently been adapted into a TV series.
Fans took to Goodreads to share their thoughts on the original source material, with one saying: “I keep going back to this book; I’ve probably read it 7 or 8 times. I like the way she shows the relationships and how they change. The suspense is great.
“I like how you see the strengths come out, and the frailties, and how they cope with them. I find this book inspiring. It seems like just another fluffy beach read, but these women are tested to the limit and overcome overwhelming difficulty.”
Another added: “Oh my gosh. This book was so good. Engrossing. I had trouble putting it down to do anything else. It’s going on my list of favourite books. And, it was educational. I learned a lot about wilderness living. Just wow, really.”
A third commented, “I have never forgotten this female Lord of the Flies type book. Women get stuck on a deserted island, and what issues ensue. I loved this book and especially how the power struggle shook out. One of my favourite books!”
In March 2026, Gunning opened up about how her award-winning role in Baby Reindeer changed her life and catapulted her to global fame, telling Variety Australia: “The whole of the Baby Reindeer journey was just so surreal. What an amazing thing to be part of. I don’t feel like I’ve changed as a person, but I feel like I’ve had some amazing opportunities since.
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“I was over in America loads, and haven’t been before. And also the people I’ve met and the jobs I’ve had a chance to do since have just been so lovely.” She caught the eye of directors who have offered huge opportunities, adding: ” [There have been] a few things coming in which has been lovely.
“And I’ve just had, I suppose, more and more people have got to know who I am really, which is always nice. So yeah, hopefully more interesting [projects] will come my way.”
Known for being ‘The GC’ on screen and larger than life, viewers will see a different side to Gemma Collins in her new Sky documentary series.
Gemma Collins has not had a lot to celebrate whilst making her Sky series.
Gemma Collins admits she has had “the worst year of her life” which corresponded with a time she had cameras following her every move.
The former TOWIE star, also known by her celebrity persona ‘GC’, and was due to get married to partner Rami and start a family during filming for Sky documentary series called ‘Gemma Collins: Everything. All At Once’. The series was originally called Four Weddings and a Baby, but as Gemma admits “things didn’t go to plan”.
Her relationship with Rami has had issues, the pair have also been sadly unable to conceive, and worst of all Gemma’s beloved mum Joan died at the end of July after several years of health issues. Admitting her life and TV series hasn’t been going to plan, 45-year-old Gemma said: “Mum’s been unwell for sixteen years and I’ve been dealing with that on the side, but her health started going downhill during filming and she passed away last month[actually July 2026].
“My fiancé Rami has also been struggling with his mental health and using alcohol to cope, and on top of that we had fertility issues. It was like drowning. It was the worst year of my life. I couldn’t keep hiding it.
“Being The GC was escapism. I could put the make-up on, get the hair big, and forget what was going on in the real world. But there’s been a real turn in media where people want to see the real me again. They’re sick of the bluff. I’m not afraid and I know I don’t need to deal with all this on my own.”
In the eight part series viewers will see Gemma embark on her fertility journey, and she questions whether she has left things too late, putting her career before having a family. On trying for a baby Gemma says: “Rami and I went to the Portland, and I started thinking maybe there could be a miracle. We could get an egg donor and make it work. But, as you’ll see on the show, it got increasingly difficult.
“I still have Tristan, and my nephews. I’ve known Tristan since he was three: I did his nappies, I gave him his bottles. I love that boy. With my mum gone, I’m going to be the mum of the family now, the matriarch, and I’m really happy and excited for that. If it’s meant to happen, my mum will send it to me, and a miracle will happen. If it doesn’t, I’m at peace with that.”
Gemma admitted she found filming on some days very hard but insisted she had to continue. The other deeply personal issue in the series is the loss of her mum Joan, and Gemma allows the cameras into moments like when she deals like this and when the bravado she usually uses on screen drops.
She said: “The camera crews are at your house and you’re thinking, ‘This is my life, it’s so s**t. How can I let people see it?’. But unless you go through hard times, I don’t think you grow as a person. This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s also the thing I’m most proud of.”
On her mum Gemma added: “My mum passed away peacefully, and we were all in the room. She’s come back to me in so many ways already, which gives me great comfort. She comes back to me in spiritual ways and sends me signs. There was this butterfly in the house towards the last few days of my mum living, and it wouldn’t go away. When she passed, Tristan went to me, ‘There’s Nanny’. He went, ‘Nanny, if that’s you, flap your wings ten times,’ and it did.”
* Gemma Collins: Everything. All At Once launches 15 September on Sky and streaming service NOW.
