series

“Strip Law,” a new cartoon premiering Friday, finds Netflix in an Adult Swim state of mind, which is to say there was no thought of it being made for everybody. (Possibly including some of the people it was made for.) It’s rude, lewd, surreal in a banal sort of way, at times ridiculously violent — that is, the violence is ridiculous.

It was the cast that attracted me: Adam Scott, once more the schlemiel as leading man; Janelle James, sure of her own magnificence, not far from her character on “Abbott Elementary”; and Keith David, whose deep, sonorous voice is almost necessarily one of authority, turned to good or evil or in between as the script demands. James and David, especially, I could listen to for days.

Created by Cullen Crawford, (“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks”), the series is centered on a failing Las Vegas law firm, headed by Scott’s Lincoln Gumb, with James as Sheila Flambé, “a magician and three-year all-county sex champion” he hires as his “co-counsel in charge of spectacle.” Niece Irene (Shannon Gisela), an iron-pumping 16-year-old, works as his investigator; she wears a blindfold labeled “Underage” whenever she’s required to be in a bar. Stephen Root plays his disbarred (later undisbarred — rebarred?) lawyer uncle, Glem Blorchman, the strangest of them all — “It’s 115 degrees out so I put marshmallows in gin,” is something he says as they gather to watch Christmas movies. And David plays Lincoln’s nemesis, Stevie Nichols, the very successful former partner of Lincoln’s late mother, upon whom the son remains perversely fixated.

Much of it is the sort of thing that will work or not work depending on your mood, but generally I prefer the small throwaway jokes to the big gross ones. There are self-reflexive meta gags about “hard-working cartoon writers” and “reappropriating out-of-date catchphrases.” There are many nods to “The Simpsons,” including “frosty chocolate milkshakes” and James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films logo. The final episode, of 10, takes place within the finale of a “Suits”-like legal dramedy. (“It’s against their nature to let something be sweet and fun and airy,” that firm’s bromantic lawyers say of Lincoln’s team. “They have to make it dark and strange and crass.”) And there are left-field references to Cocteau Twins and Bikini Kill, whose “original bass player” Glem claims to be. (“I don’t know what Bikini Kill is,” says Irene. “Neither did I, according to Kathleen Hanna,” says Glem.)

There are various oddball judges (nothing remotely legal happens in a courtroom); “local character” Lunch Meat, who turns up in many roles; a barman, Mr. O’Raviolo, who switches between exaggerated Irish and Italian accents in mid-sentence. Comedian George Wallace plays himself as the mayor of Las Vegas. A Halloween Christmas episode parodies “Miracle on 34th Street”; another takes off on Colton Burpo, the “boy who saw Heaven,” which includes a live-action trailer for a faith-based film featuring Tim Heidecker as a coke-snorting atheistic Lincoln. A virtual reality HR seminar is hosted by “a computerized amalgamation of all five personalities of the Rat Pack,” an immersive Autoverse, in which actors create situations that somehow amount to a driving test. There are the “Nevada-grown” Hot Dates, a sexualized version of the California Raisins; riots occur when the characters are redesigned to be more respectable (“They’re walking away from years of established canon,” laments Lincoln.)

The series felt a little off-putting at first, as if it were straining for effect, but gathered steam as it went on, either because the later episodes are weirder or better written, or because one just gets used to being in that world with those people. There is just enough character in the comedy to create stakes in the narrative; its misfit energy has fueled the screen’s bands of outsiders throughout the years. (“Even when you’re a disaster, you’re a disaster for the right people,” Irene tells Lincoln.) As to the famous fine line between stupid and clever, the stupidity and the cleverness are all but inextricable, and to the point.

The credits declare that the series is “proudly made by real, non-computer human beings,” which is pleasant to know, and in 100 years will still have been the best way to make cartoons, even if by then they are only made by and, for all we know, for machines. The thin-lined drawing style is standard for more or less realistic 21st-century adult TV animation, with perhaps a hint of comics artist Daniel Clowes laid on. But the characters are expressive, and the medium is used to unreal ends, which is, after all, what cartoons are good for.

People are raving on about the drama series which is believed to be a ‘hidden gem’ and it’s available on a number of TV networks, including Disney+. So have you seen this before?

Looking for the next big TV series to binge-watch? It can be hard finding a new show to watch, especially if you’ve just finished something decent on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Now people are raving on about a ‘hidden gem’ they found – and it’s available on a number of TV networks, including Disney+. After one TV fan asked for recommendations in a popular thread, many people flooded the comments section where they offered a number of suggestions, one of them being Will Trent, a American police TV drama. The series follows a Special Agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.

As a child, Trent was abandoned and forced to endure a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. It was based on one of prolific New York Times author Karin Slaughter’s bestselling books.

The Reddit post read: “Any current network (CBS, ABC, NBC, etc.) TV shows that are any good? Most of the shows I currently watch are on streaming services and I’m wondering if there’s any hidden gems I’m missing out on.”

Many people shared their suggestions, including High Potential and The Rookie.

But plenty of viewers labelled Will Trent as a must-see. The series, which is also available on other network channels, can be streamed on Disney+ for subscribers.

The series was developed by Liz Heldens and Daniel T. Thomsen which stars Ramón Rodríguez and premiered on January 3, 2023, on ABC.

A year later in April, the series was renewed for a third season which landed on January 7, 2025. Then months later, the series was given the green light for a fourth season which finally premiered on January 6, this year.

The series follows Will who grew up in the Atlanta foster care system after being abandoned as a child. Despite being dyslexic and his upbringing having a lasting effect on him, he became a Special Agent in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Will, a highly observant character, had been assigned a corruption case involving the Atlanta Police Department which shares an office building with the GBI.

The story also shows his on-again off-again relationship with APD Detective Angie Polaski, a childhood friend from the foster care system.

Will Trent has a 7.7 out of 10 rating on IMDb and 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. To watch it on Disney+, you must have a subscription on the streaming platform.

A must-watch new documentary series has just hit Netflix and it’s a must-watch for foodies

Netflix has just released a compelling documentary series that follows a globally renowned TV chef as he tackles the most formidable challenge of his professional life.

The fresh six-part series launched today (Wednesday, 18th February) is essential viewing this week for food lovers.

Not only will it leave you salivating over Michelin Star-calibre cuisine but it also provides unprecedented access to one of Britain’s most cherished culinary icons.

Being Gordon Ramsay tracks the Kitchen Nightmares star’s latest audacious venture: launching five distinctive dining experiences atop 22 Bishopsgate, amongst London’s loftiest skyscrapers.

Throughout the thrilling behind-the-scenes look at the pioneering food and beverage enterprise, audiences will also discover Gordon’s domestic life with his wife Tana and their six children, reports the Express.

The London-based celebrity, who also maintains properties in Cornwall and Los Angeles, divides his time between treasured moments with his family and the gruelling demands of his career both domestically and internationally.

Admirers of the celebrated chef will experience poignant scenes as Gordon farewells his daughter Tilly to culinary school and reconnects with his youngest children following weeks of separation, alongside touching and frequently amusing exchanges with the chef and his wife as they playfully quarrel during the taxing new undertaking and reflect on their formative years together.

Netflix’s synopsis for the six-episode series guarantees a “pulse-racing” experience as “pressures mount” on the A-list chef.

Audiences will also be moved by his candid conversations about “fame and parental guilt” before Gordon “turns up the heat” in the nail-biting finale.

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Within hours of its release, subscribers have already been championing Being Gordon Ramsay as they flock to watch the must-see new docuseries in their thousands.

One fan characterised the series as “Pressure. Passion. Perfection” on X, whilst another shared: “gordon ramsay chaos? i’m already hooked.”

Another posted: “Gordon going all-in on five restaurants at once with £20M of his own cash? This is gonna be absolute chaos… and I’m 100% here for it Already hitting play tonight.”

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“I will be there!” another user vowed, and someone else concurred: “Oh I will be sat!”

The series has also garnered favourable reviews from critics thus far, with The Telegraph labelling it “stressful” yet “surprisingly enjoyable”, adding it “puts the Beckhams to shame”.

Are you craving mouthwatering exclusive insight into the life of Britain’s leading chef? Netflix has certainly delivered this week.

Being Gordon Ramsay is available to stream on Netflix.

Artist Ako Castuera is best known for her work on the award-winning animated series “Adventure Time.” As a writer and storyboard artist, she helped intrepid heroes Jake the Dog and Finn the Human become iconic toon characters.

Though she brought flying rainbow unicorns and a platoon of plotting penguins to life on screen, there’s more to Castuera’s resume than hyper-imaginative animation.

Ceramist, writer and storyboard artist Ako Castuera in her studio.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

The Echo Park-based creative is also a professional ceramicist whose hand-built vessels and sculptures have been on display at the Japanese American National Museum of Art, Oxy Arts and the Oakland Museum of Art.

In this series, we highlight independent makers and artists, from glassblowers to fiber artists, who are creating original products in and around Los Angeles.

While Castuera’s studio is filled with its fair share of playful “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”-themed ceramic charms and anthropomorphic banana figurines, her craft is just as much devoted to highlighting Southern California’s natural resources and Indigenous people, as well as her own Mexican-Japanese heritage.

“‘Whimsy’ is a word that’s been applied to my work a lot. This is not my word,” she said during a recent tour of the Monrovia workspace she shares with her husband, artist Rob Sato, and fellow ceramicist Rosie Brand.

Ako Castuera’s work is anthropological and at times unusual, like her foot box sculptures. She also feels a special connection to her tools. (Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

“Not that whimsy is negative, but I do feel like it doesn’t really get a handle on the substance of what I feel I’m working with, as far as the depth of the clay, the depth of the experience, of the land.”

She sat perched on a stool at her workbench, using a smooth stone to grind soil clumps into fine dust as she talked. She collects the red earth during nature walks around the San Gabriel Mountains area — whether the riverbed of the Arroyo Seco, or the foothills of Claremont, her hometown.

“This is special dirt,” she explained.

To her, it has a presence, a life of its own and a cherished history. She uses it to make anything from trinket boxes to ornate geometric vases to statuettes of quizzical creatures.

Some of her most recent creations stand on a nearby wooden shelf. They’re ceramic depictions of Pacific tree frogs and great herons, both denizens of the L.A. River. The waterway has long been a source of inspiration for Castuera.

Ako Castuera’s work ranges from massive pieces to the miniature, like these figurines.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

“I love the L.A. River,” she said. “It’s my neighbor. It’s my teacher. It’s a place where I walk and bike.”

She regards the river as a muse and wants to inspire Angelenos of all ages to appreciate it. To that end, she teaches youth workshops at the riverside arts hubs Clockshop and Sooki Studio. What’s more, the river was a “main character” on “City of Ghosts,” the L.A.-celebrating, Emmy-winning Netflix animated series she directed. She’s even been known to use some of its water to transform soil into moldable clay.

“The more people who are brought into a sense of kinship with the river, the better,” she said. “Because then, they really feel like ‘The river takes care of me; I want to take care of the river.’”

Castuera’s work has an anthropological bent, as well as an ecological one. For example, her research into Southern California’s Kumeyaay and Cahuilla Indigenous tribes inspired a series of large jars patterned after ollas, traditional pots used for water and seed storage. She plans to incorporate these jars into an immersive installation that will be on view at the Candlewood Arts Festival in Borrego Springs in March and April. And last fall, she hosted a community event with Los Angeles Nomadic Division in which she discussed how soil played a vital role in the societies of both the Gabrielino-Tongva tribes of L.A. and the Ryukyuan people of her mother’s native Okinawa.

Finding the sweet spot where cultures combine is a constant source of motivation for Castuera. She’s created her own twist on shisa, lion-dog statues that are common sights all around Okinawa. And she’s currently working on a collection of small sculptures honoring her patrilineal ties to Puebla, Mexico. Her “taco babies” were inspired by one of the region’s best-known dishes, tacos árabes, which combine flavors from Mexico and the Middle East.

“I was thinking about the beauty of being in a living mix and what that would look like personified,” she said of the wee figures wrapped in colorful tortilla-like blankets.

Ako Castuera makes ceramics for the love of the process, not the final product.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

Some of Castuera’s work makes it into gallery shows and some she sells. But just as often, she smashes it and takes the soil back to where she originally found it. It’s a habit of creating and destroying that she formed as a student at Claremont High School, where she studied the craft for two semesters, yet fired zero pieces.

“I don’t think I could’ve articulated this at 15, but it’s about the process of building, not the process of creating a product. It’s about working with the material — just making the space and the time for that practice,” she said.

“The excitement and the magic is really about the discovery of the unexpected. It’s so engrossing and it really just gets me engaged with life.”

Caracas, February 17, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela’s Navegantes del Magallanes claimed the 2026 Serie de las Américas baseball tournament after defeating Colombia’s Caimanes de Barranquilla 10–9 on Friday, February 13, at the Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar in Caracas.

The Colombian squad stunned fans with a commanding 5–0 lead in the opening inning and maintained a five-run advantage for much of the game. However, Magallanes engineered a dramatic comeback that will become one of Venezuela’s most celebrated baseball victories, scoring seven unanswered runs in the eighth inning to overturn the deficit.

The Venezuelan team, representing the host nation for the tournament held from February 5 to 13 in Caracas and La Guaira, stumbled in its opening match against Panama before rallying and stringing together consecutive wins. This included a decisive 9–1 semifinal victory over Cuba to book a place in the final.

The 2026 Serie de las Américas—the second edition of this regional international baseball competition organized by continental baseball league associations—brought together national teams from Cuba and Curaçao, and the winter league champions from Venezuela, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Argentina. The tournament featured a round-robin phase followed by semifinals and a championship game.

Navegantes del Magallanes secured its place in the tournament after winning the Venezuelan league in early February. 

Venezuela’s participation in the Serie de las Américas became possible after the country opted out of the February 1–7 Serie del Caribe, following decisions by that event’s organizers to relocate the tournament amid claims of “political conflicts” linked to the January 3 US military strikes and kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Venezuelan professional league initially suspended its Round Robin phase following the attacks, though play resumed on January 7 and continued through the Serie de las Américas.

On Saturday, the champion Magallanes were welcomed at Miraflores Palace by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who praised the team’s achievement. 

“When they achieved victory, I felt the joy of seeing a country rise up and demonstrate its winning spirit. The most important jersey we Venezuelans wear is that of Venezuela; you wore it and showed that there is no adversity we cannot overcome,” Rodríguez said.

The Venezuelan leader also formally expressed Venezuela’s desire to once again host the regional tournament in 2027.

ATHENS, Greece — Israeli producer Dana Eden, best known for co-creating the International Emmy-winning espionage thriller “Tehran,” has died suddenly in Greece, Israeli public broadcaster KAN said Monday.

Eden, 52, was found dead in a hotel in the Greek capital, Athens, a Greek police official said, adding that initial indications suggested she had taken her own life and there was no suspicion of foul play. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as Greek police do not comment publicly in such cases.

KAN said Eden was in Greece for the filming of the hit series’ fourth season.

“Dana was among the leading figures in Israel’s television industry and played a central role in the creation and leadership of some of the most prominent and influential productions within the corporation,” KAN said in a statement. It did not give a cause of death.

“Her professional work, uncompromising dedication, and love for creation left a deep mark on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. KAN shares in the deep sorrow of her family, friends and colleagues,” the broadcaster said.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Eden’s production company, Donna and Shula productions, sought to dispel rumors that the producer had been killed.

“The production company wishes to clarify that the rumors of a criminal or nationally motivated death are false and unfounded,” it said.

“This is a moment of great pain for the family, friends and colleagues. We ask that Dana’s dignity and the privacy of her loved ones be respected,” the production company said.

Israel Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, in a social media post on X, said it was “with great sadness” that he had received the news of Eden’s death, describing her as “one of the most prominent and influential producers in the Israeli television industry.”

“Dana left a deep mark on Israeli creation and brought our story to international stages with pride, talent and courage,” Zohar said.

“Tehran,” which premiered in Israel and on Apple TV in 2020, tells the story of Tamar Rabinyan, a young Mossad operative tasked with hacking into and disabling the Iranian nuclear reactor so the Israeli military can carry out an airstrike. The show was named best drama series at the 49th International Emmy Awards in November 2021.

Eden started working in TV production in Israel in the 1990s, working on shows including comedy “Yom Haem” and crime drama “Magpie,” before finding international success with “Tehran.”

In 2018, her show “Saving the Wildlife” won best TV magazine for children and youth at the Awards of the Israeli Television Academy.

Kantouris and Becatoros write for the Associated Press. Kantouris contributed from Thessaloniki. Matt Kemp in London contributed.

Ardal O’Hanlon is famed for Father Ted, My Hero, and, of course, Death in Paradise as DI Jack Mooney

Netflix fans have been “hooked” by this “hilarious” new series which quietly stars a Death in Paradise icon.

Since leaving his days at Saint Marie behind as the lovable DI Jack Mooney, Irish star Ardal O’Hanlon has featured in Derry Girls, The Woman in the Wall, Extraordinary and Sherlock and Daughter, just to name a few.

Now, BBC Death in Paradise fans have stumbled upon his latest venture with Netflix’s newly released Irish comedy-drama How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

Released last week, the eight-part comedy revolves around friends Saoirse (played by Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinead Keenan) and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne) who learn that their troubled friend Greta (Natasha O’Keefe) has mysteriously died.

O’Hanlon is behind the wacky and upbeat Seamus, the manager of the local seaside hotel where the three women stay as they investigate their friend’s death.

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‘Dearest gentle reader’, as the fourth season of Bridgerton follows second son Benedict love story, there’s a way to watch this fairytale-like season for less.

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Bridgerton.

Netflix fans haven’t been able to stop singing O’Hanlon’s praises with one fan describing him as an “absolute icon” in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

Another said: “Loved him on Death in Paradise. He was my favourite”, while a third labelled the star as “absolutely superb”.

O’Hanlon headed up Death in Paradise for three years as DI Jack Mooney before he chose to leave Saint Marie and return to London with his daughter Siobhan Mooney (Grace Stone).

He finally came to the realisation that he had been running away from grief after losing his wife so Jack chose to finally face up to reality and start over again.

Death in Paradise went on to replace O’Hanlon with Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker, followed by the latest detective Mervin Wilson, portrayed by actor Don Gilet.

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How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is currently the number one watch on Netflix with the comedic thriller brought to life by the creative team behind the hit series Derry Girls.

Creator Lisa McGee told Tudum: “This is the show I’ve always wanted to make; a mash‑up of my two favourite genres, mystery and comedy.

“We want to keep you guessing and keep you laughing. I can’t wait for you to meet Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, and go on this wild, weird adventure with them – an Irish odyssey – full of twists, turns, and arguments about eyelash extensions.”

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is available to watch on Netflix.

ITV drama Betrayal, which stars Shaun Evans, will end with its final episode tonight

ITV has announced which programme will replace Betrayal in the TV schedule as the final episode airs tonight at 9pm.

The synopsis for the episode, which is available to watch on ITVX, reads, “With hours until the suspected attack on a university, John finds himself alone and in captivity.

“If he is to save the lives of those at risk, he must find a means of escape without alerting the men who are holding him and the allies whom he can no longer trust.”

The final instalment of the drama, which features Shaun Evans as M15 agent John Hughes and Beyond Paradise star Zahra Ahmadi, will be broadcast between 9pm and 10pm.

Set in Manchester, the show follows John as he juggles a crumbling marriage with the pressures of protecting national security, after becoming embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving an informant who’s murdered before sharing crucial intelligence.

The four episodes of Betrayal, which are available to watch on ITVX, have received mixed reviews from viewers.

Last week, the ITV drama sparked a backlash with fans, with many stating there were too many plot holes “too obvious to overlook”.

One wrote on X, “Most indiscreet MI5 worker ever.”

“I think an MI5 guy would know to hide a message on the lock screen,” someone else said.

A third asked: “After the two deaths at the start of #Betrayal episode 1, how come no one ran out after the first shot, and started filming with a mobile?”

“Shootout at the airport? In broad daylight? And did she crouch behind some explosive barrel?” queried another.

However, next Monday, season one, episode two of The Lady will air on ITV in its place.

The show will air between 9pm and 10pm, like Betrayal, and the synopsis teases, “Jane meets dashing businessman Luis Castillo and the two begin a relationship, but tensions soon erupt on a holiday in Greece, and she becomes increasingly unstable.

“As Jane’s carefully constructed composure starts to fracture and puts her position with the duchess at risk, a lifeline appears in the shape of the charismatic Tommy Cressman.”

Betrayal is available to watch on ITVX.

The forthcoming HBO show promises to do justice to the BAFTA award-winning source material that already has a global fanbase.

HBO has confirmed that it’s adapting a beloved fantasy video game series for the small screen.

The American cable network will be adapting the acclaimed video game Baldur’s Gate 3, which is set in the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Baldur’s Gate 3 bagged game of the year at the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards, along with four other wins, cementing its status in the video games world. The video game has also been widely praised by players since it came out with the HBO series expected to grow its fanbase.

One fan gave a glowing review on Metacritic: “Absolutely beautiful game.”

They added in their critique: “I have around 200 hours now spent on this game and i’m still discovering more on my 3rd and 4th play throughs.”

While a second user posted an equally positive review: “The best new age RPG ever made. It perfectly encapsulates the scenery and feel of DND on the scale of a major video game release.

“The sheer amounts of decisions, both big and small, a player can make is both overwhelming and beautiful.”

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A third declared: “Masterpiece, best CRPG in the history of gaming, even so as we didnt have a great CRPG since Dragon Age 2 o Mass Effect 2 [sic].”

Yet another wrote: “Despite the odd bugs and broken quests, an exceptional game. This player of video games for 5 decades waited so long for something so rich and realistic.”

The drama series will be spearheaded by The Last of Us’ co-creator and Chernobyl writer Craig Mazin, who is confirmed to be writing, showrunning and executive producing the TV iteration.

Mazin said in a statement, as per Deadline, “After putting nearly 1000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3 , it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of The Coast created.

“I am a devoted fan of D&D and the brilliant way that Swen Vincke and his gifted team adapted it.”

“I can’t wait to help bring Baldur’s Gate and all of its incredible characters to life with as much respect and love as we can, and I’m deeply grateful to Gabe Marano and his team at Hasbro for entrusting me with this incredibly important property.”

The Baldur’s Gate TV show is slated to be a continuation of the games and will focus on the story after Baldur’s Gate 3, with existing and new characters reeling from the events of the latest game.

This means that the show won’t be tied to the video games and can take its own direction and tell a story in its own right.

This is a sharp contrast to The Last of Us, which directly adapted the video game’s storyline as well as building upon the existing world.

Indeed The Last of Us’ second season was met with a far more muted response to the universally lauded first outing led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

The Last of Us is going to be ending with its third and final season, with Mazin recently paid tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, who played therapist Gail in the post-apocalyptic drama.

HBO previously confirmed in 2025 that showrunner Neil Druckmann would be stepping away from the drama to focus on his existing commitments to his video game company Naughty Dog.

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Friends fans were left stunned when Netflix announced the beloved sitcom would be axed in December, but the series will return to UK screens in March

Netflix subscribers were left unimpressed after the streaming platform confirmed it would be dropping sitcom Friends from its catalogue in December.

The beloved series, which originally broadcast on NBC from 1994 to 2004, had been available on the platform since 2018, with all ten seasons ready to watch.

Following its departure from the streaming giant on December 30, UK audiences of the iconic 1990s series won’t have to wait long before it returns to their television screens.

Friends, starring Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courtney Cox, Matt Le Blanc, David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry, follows the lives of six mates living in New York.

It boasts a staggering 236 episodes, offering fans more than 88 hours of content. At the time, Netflix fans shared the reaction to the show getting removed as one user vented on X: “You cannot take Friends off Netflix. Every night without fail I watch it.”

Echoing these sentiments, a fourth added: ‘How can Netflix be taking Friends off in the UK? Literally the ONLY thing I go onto Netflix everyday for, I watch it non stop back to back, my absolute comfort show, may as well cancel my subscription.’

A fifth concluded: “Genuinely heartbroken Friends is being taken off of Netflix. Best TV show of all time.”

However it’s not all bad as all ten seasons will shortly be available to stream on HBO Max, which launches in the UK on March 26 – having operated stateside since 2020.

The platform, which also streams other popular series including Game of Thrones and Succession, will be accessible in the UK and Ireland from just £4.99.

Beyond Friends, the streaming service will also feature programmes produced by HBO, Warner Bros, DC Studios and Max Originals.

The return of Euphoria, House of the Dragon and The Comeback, alongside the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series, and DC Studios series Lanterns, will all be available on the platform.

Oscar-nominated films Sinners and One Battle Another, which appeared in cinemas last year, will also be offered. HBO-produced shows have previously been available to stream in the UK through Sky and NOW – However, from 26 March onwards, content produced by HBO will be exclusive to HBO Max subscribers.

The two companies have reached an agreement that enables members to bundle both NOW and HBO Max subscriptions together, a change that all NOW Entertainment subscribers will be automatically transitioned to.

This arrangement ensures that HBO Max will be available for streaming in over 10 million households on its launch day.

Friends will be available to stream on HBO Max on its launch on March 26

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The show proved to be a hit with ITV viewers but the show is now reportedly facing an uncertain future

There’s bad news for fans of the reality show, The Fortune Hotel, as it’s been reported ITV has “shelved” the show with no confirmed plans for its comeback.

The series, fronted by Stephen Mangan, debuted in May 2024 with a second run following in August 2025, and was branded as the broadcaster’s rival to The Traitors.

The format brings together 10 pairs of contestants at The Fortune Hotel, where each receives a crucial briefcase. One case conceals the grand prize of £250,000 in cash, eight contain nothing, and one holds the feared Early Checkout Card.

Whichever duo ends up with that particular case at each episode’s conclusion will face an abrupt and dramatic exit from the competition. Daily, the contestants get opportunities to deduce who possesses which case by tackling engaging challenges, as the puzzle intensifies for those staying at the hotel.

Each episode reaches its tension-filled peak during the case exchange in the alluring Lady Luck bar, where every pair must choose whether to retain or switch their briefcase, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Audiences are kept guessing whether the couple holding the fortune managed to deceive their rivals and deflect attention, or whether their case will be mercilessly snatched away.

Home viewers remain informed throughout, privy to every scheme and tactic as events unfold. The well-received programme attracted substantial audiences but now faces an unclear path forward despite its millions of fans.

The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment. Nella and Tope emerged victorious in the latest series, walking away with an impressive £210,000. The pair triumphed over rivals Fred and Min, as well as Martina and Briony.

During the finale, the Hotel Game saw contestants frantically tackle a cunning puzzle in their rooms before dashing across the Caribbean Sea in the series’ final Day Trip Challenge.

Yet only one duo could depart with the prize money, and fortune favoured Nella and Tope in the concluding Night Cap. As Stephen Mangan congratulated the victorious pair, ITV viewers flocked to social media to express their reactions to the outcome.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote: “Fair play, they played a consistently strong game. #TheFortuneHotel.”

Another added: “I wanted Nella and Tope to win, and they won.” A third person said: “LET’S GO TOPE AND NELLA #thefortunehotel.”

A fourth social media user said: “Aww Nella and Tope ! ! I’m so happy for you #TheFortuneHotel #FortuneHotel. “Nella and Tope well well deserved. They played a great game,” a fifth person said.

Meanwhile, Sheffield mother and son duo Jo-Anne and Will claimed victory in the inaugural series, securing an impressive £210,000.

The Fortune Hotel is available to stream on ITVX

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Crime drama fans are being urged to watch the show if they haven’t already

Crime drama fans have highly recommended a “disturbing series” that made them feel physically sick, and it is available to stream.

Spanning across four seasons, True Detective has become a firm favourite amongst fans of police drama, with many branding it the “best show ever” and a binge worthy instalment.

Season 4 was released back in 2024, first premiering in the US on HBO and Sky Atlantic in the UK, with the series bringing in its highest viewing since it first debuted.

And it is streaming on Now TV and Sky as fans of crime drama are being urged to add it to their watch list if they haven’t already. Each season follows new detectives as they get to grips with a disturbing investigation.

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TV lovers can now get Sky TV, Netflix and Discovery+ for £15 per month with the new Essential TV bundle.

This delivers live and on-demand TV without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like The Last of Us and Squid Game.

Now TV teased: “The lives of police detectives as they chase criminals, using unconventional methods. The officers struggle to gain control of their own personal demons as they attack different cases.”

Despite news of a fifth season being given the green light by HBO, some viewers are only just tuning in to the show for the first time.

In a TikTok video, one fan had not realised a previous season had been released as they said Night Country was worth a watch, adding: “Honestly you need to watch it.”

They continued: “They are all really good, and i mean they are good.”

Admitting they were now “glued” to their televisions screen, the TV fan added: “I’m glued now that’s me for the day, I’ll be on this all day now.

“If you’ve not seen it and you’re looking for something good to watch, I’d highly recommend this because it really is good..”

One person replied: “The first ever true detective is the best by far.” Another wrote: “It’s brilliant but disturbing, it takes a lot to churn my stomach but this did.”

A third added: “First series totally unbelievably good.” A fourth commented: “The first series is unbelievable, one of my most favourite shows ever.”

With an impressive score on 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences praised the “masterpiece” anthology series. One person wrote: “Outstanding. Really love Jodi and hope she keeps coming back to give us more. Rare talent!£

Another said: “I thought this season was possibly the best one yet, very spooky but also plenty of mystery and suspense and big coverups and murders to uncover.”

A third echoed: “It’s crime-horror-supernatural, but grounded in the realities and particular social circumstances of this small Alaskan mining town. Probably my favourite crime drama I’ve seen in a long time.”

A fourth penned: “One of the few things shows hooked me to the point where I “binge watched” the whole thing.”

The True Detective is available to stream on Now TV in the UK.

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The Netflix drama is based on a real-life case and follows a doctor uncovering a health scandal affecting the lives of thousands of children

A gripping new period drama based on a harrowing true story that impacted thousands of children is arriving on Netflix this week.

The series is essential viewing for anyone captivated by HBO’s Chernobyl and Netflix’s Toxic Town, which was released last yearreports the Express.

The Lead Children is set in the 1970s and charts the remarkable story of young doctor Jolanta Wadowska-Król (portrayed by Joanna Kulig), who takes on the government to expose the lead poisoning of young children in her local area.

The streaming service previously released a trailer for the six-part series, depicting children in the Silesia region of Poland becoming ill from “mysterious illnesses” before Wadowska-Król discovers widespread lead poisoning caused by the nearby smelter.

When she attempts to expose the truth about the innocent lives impacted by the scandal, she faces opposition from the authoritarian Communist government who seek to silence her.

Furthermore, workers at the smelting factory are left furious by the prospect of job losses, creating additional resistance to prevent the public health crisis from being exposed.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.

The medic encounters threats to both herself and her family, but remains determined to expose the truth.

The Lead Children is adapted from the book of the same name by author Micha Jdryka.

Numerous viewers have commented beneath the trailer about the upcoming show, which is already drawing comparisons to HBO’s critically acclaimed Chernobyl. Viewers have flooded the YouTube comments section with praise for the upcoming series.

One remarked: “This looks like a much needed movie. Lead and it’s effects worldwide has been unimaginable (paint, pipes, etc) [sic].”

Another drew comparisons, posting: “Netflix’s response to HBO’S Chernobyl” whilst a third agreed: “This reminds me very much of Chernobyl.”

Explaining the historical significance, one commenter noted: “She worked in Katowice and was one of the first to draw public attention to environmental pollution in an industrial region.

“Her actions led to the treatment of thousands of children and changes in public health policy. She is regarded as one of the most important figures in Polish social medicine.”

Another viewer praised: “One person who stood up doggedly and made a difference. Every citizen of the free world should watch it.”

The Lead Children arrives on Netflix on Wednesday, February 11, with all six episodes dropping simultaneously for worldwide streaming.

The compelling drama features lead actress Kulig, who reflected: “Lead Children shows resistance to change and the strength one must find within oneself to oppose it.

“In the character of Jola Wadowska-Król, I saw above all honesty, extraordinary courage, persistence, and uncompromising nature.

“Her life story poses the question of whether we, in her place, would find enough strength in ourselves to stand alone against the system.

“Proper preparation, the atmosphere on set – all this allowed me to completely immerse myself in the world of this character and feel her rhythm.”

She further commented: “It was a fascinating, intense, and exhausting job, but precisely because of that, a true one.”

The Polish-language series also features Michał Żurawski, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Marian Dzidziel, Agata Kulesza, Kinga Preis, and Sebastian Pawlak alongside Kulig.

Filming spanned across various locations in Poland, including Katowice, Ruda Śląska, Świtochowice, Zabrze, Gliwice, Bytom, and Warsaw.

The Lead Children will be released on Netflix on February 11

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