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HBO’s banking drama Industry has returned for its fourth season with a darker tone and a star-studded cast. The show follows young bankers navigating London’s high-finance world. Season four features new actors including Max Minghella and Charlie Heaton. Critics say the series has become more intense, exploring toxic workplace culture, mental health crises, and shocking events. The storyline now shows former victims becoming perpetrators, with central characters Harper Stern and Yasmin facing extreme challenges in their careers and personal lives. Experts note the series depicts the corrupting influence of power and ambition in high finance. Industry first aired in 2020 with little attention but has grown popular over four seasons, gaining high ratings and a prime Sunday night slot on HBO. The series is praised for blending finance, politics, media, and social power struggles into a gripping drama. Season four is available weekly on HBO and HBO Max in the US and on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK.   With inputs from BBC

Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers in Stranger Things, missed co-star Finn Wolfhard’s Saturday Night Live episode on January 17. Schnapp was in Italy attending Milan Fashion Week and could not join the show, according to PEOPLE. He was seen a day earlier at the Ralph Lauren Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show in Milan. During the SNL monologue, Wolfhard was joined on stage by Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The actors shared a light moment, celebrating their growth from child stars. Other cast members, including Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery, attended the afterparty. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things was released in three parts: Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on December 25, and the final episode on December 31.   With inputs from NDTV

HBO’s new Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has been praised for its humour, action, and engaging storytelling, offering a fresh take on Westeros. The six-episode series follows Ser Duncan, an inexperienced knight, and his clever squire, Egg, as they journey to a tournament at Ashford Meadow. The story focuses on their adventures and relationship, blending light-hearted comedy with thrilling battles. Unlike previous shows, the prequel features a single narrative thread, less CGI, and short episodes averaging 35 minutes. It also highlights the lives of common people rather than the nobility. Critics have praised the chemistry between the leads, Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, calling it “extraordinary.” The show mixes physical comedy, dry humour, and dramatic fight sequences, making it accessible even to viewers unfamiliar with the Game of Thrones universe. The series debuts on HBO and HBO Max in the U.S. on Jan 18, and on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Jan 19, with weekly episodes. Season 2 is already in production.   With inputs from BBC

A clip from the 2019 television series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, featuring John Krasinski delivering a forceful speech on Venezuela’s geopolitical significance, has gone viral on social media following the recent US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In the widely shared scene from the show’s second season, Krasinski’s character, CIA analyst Jack Ryan, challenges fellow officers to rethink global threats, drawing attention to Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral reserves and its strategic importance. Social media users have described the moment as “prophetic” in light of the latest developments, according to international media reports. In the clip, Ryan questions why a country rich in natural resources is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, referring to Venezuela as a potential “failed state” and warning that instability so close to the United States could pose serious risks. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan is a political action thriller based on characters created by author Tom Clancy and stars Krasinski in the lead role. The series first aired in 2018 and gained popularity for its storylines rooted in contemporary global politics.   With inputs from NDTV

As the finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things approaches, fans across social media are uniting to ensure the survival of Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery. Over the show’s five seasons, many characters have died at the hands of the Upside Down, demogorgons, and Vecna, but viewers are determined not to lose Steve. Some fans have even threatened the Duffer brothers and Netflix, expressing their demand that he survives the upcoming events. Steve, who began as Nancy Wheeler’s boyfriend, has become a central figure, protecting the younger characters and fighting alongside Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Jim Hopper, and Joyce Byers. His friendship with Dustin Henderson, especially their pledge of mutual protection, has become a fan-favourite storyline. Social media platforms are flooded with memes, posts, and prayers from fans, reflecting the extraordinary attachment to the character. Despite assurances from the Duffer brothers that no major deaths are planned in the finale, fans continue to campaign vigorously for Steve’s safety.   With inputs from NDTV

Television viewers may see some of the strongest programming in years in 2026, with the return of popular series and the launch of several high-profile new shows, according to media reports. Broadcasters and streaming platforms are lining up a mix of long-awaited sequels, finales and fresh productions, although some schedules may change and a few shows could air later than planned. Among the major highlights is the second series of The Night Manager, nearly a decade after its debut, with Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman returning. ITV’s thriller Red Eye will also return for a second season, while Netflix is set to air the final chapter of the global hit Stranger Things. BBC’s reality hit The Traitors will come back with a new season, while fans of classic drama will see new adaptations such as Seven Dials, based on an Agatha Christie novel. The Game of Thrones universe will expand further with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set a century before the original series. Several well-known shows are also scheduled to return or reboot in 2026, including Scrubs, Doctor Who and Malcolm in the Middle. Sporting events are expected to draw huge audiences as well, with the 2026 Football World Cup set to run from June to July. Other confirmed projects for 2026 include dramas such as Dear England, The Lady and Rivals, along with major entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing, which will see new hosts after long-serving presenters step down. Meanwhile, highly anticipated series such as Line of Duty are confirmed for filming, though their broadcast dates are yet to be announced, meaning they could air in late 2026 or 2027. Industry observers say the mix of returning favourites, star-studded casts and major global events could make 2026 one of the most exciting years for television in a long time.   With inputs from BBC

Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things is heading toward its long-awaited finale, with fans preparing for the final episodes that promise to resolve major mysteries surrounding Hawkins and its residents. Season five opened with the town under siege, as dangerous creatures from the Upside Down spilled into the real world through massive rifts. Vecna remained a central threat, while the main characters were shown facing what appears to be their final battle. Netflix is releasing the remaining episodes in stages. Three episodes are set to stream on Boxing Day in the UK, while the feature-length final episode will be available on New Year’s Day. In the United States, the finale will stream on December 31, with special cinema screenings also planned in selected locations. The opening episodes revealed that Hawkins is under military quarantine and that Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, is once again being hunted for her supernatural abilities. She and Jim Hopper were shown fighting dark forces inside a military base linked to the Upside Down, while a mysterious new scientist was introduced. One of the biggest revelations so far is that Will Byers has discovered he also has supernatural powers, deepening his long-suspected connection to Vecna. At the same time, unsettling scenes involving Max, Holly and a cave linked to Vecna’s past memories raised new questions that are yet to be answered. Music has again played a key role in resisting Vecna’s control, echoing earlier seasons where songs helped characters break free from his influence. Fans believe this theme could be central to how the people of Hawkins defend themselves in the finale. Executive producer Shawn Levy has said the final episode has been carefully crafted to meet fan expectations, stressing that the creators wanted to avoid the kind of divisive endings seen in some other major TV series. Despite the show’s huge global success, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have ruled out any sequel, saying the story of Eleven, her friends and the town of Hawkins will end with this season. As anticipation builds, fans worldwide are waiting to see whether Stranger Things can deliver a satisfying conclusion to one of Netflix’s most popular series.   With inputs from BBC

One of the world’s most beloved children’s characters, Winnie-the-Pooh, is marking 100 years since his first appearance, with celebrations planned in England’s Ashdown Forest, the real-life setting of the famous stories. Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared on December 24, 1925, in a short story titled The Wrong Sort of Bees, published in the London Evening News. The character was created by author A A Milne and inspired by the toy bear of his son, Christopher Robin. The gentle bear, along with characters such as Tigger and Piglet and the game of Pooh sticks, soon gained global popularity. The fictional “100 Aker Wood” was based on Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, where Milne owned a country home. Pooh’s enduring fame continues to bring major economic benefits to the area. Local authorities have allocated about £450,000 in public funds to support events and programmes marking the centenary. Milne published Winnie-the-Pooh as a book in 1926, followed by The House at Pooh Corner in 1928. Two poetry collections featuring the characters were also released. A key attraction in the forest is Pooh Sticks Bridge, where Milne and his son invented the game. The original bridge was replaced by a replica in the late 1990s for safety reasons. The original structure was later sold at auction in 2021. Winnie-the-Pooh’s global reach expanded further in 1961 when Disney acquired the rights to the stories, introducing the character to new generations worldwide. Pooh Corner, a gift shop and tea room near the bridge, has drawn visitors since 1978. Its owner said people travel from across the world to see the places linked to Pooh and share personal stories about why the character matters to them. Guided tours of Ashdown Forest have also grown in popularity, with organisers saying most visitors now come from outside the UK, especially North America. Planned centenary events include new installations at the forest’s visitor centre and the creation of walking trails designed to protect sensitive areas. Local organisers say the anniversary highlights how Winnie-the-Pooh helped make Ashdown Forest internationally known and continues to shape its cultural and economic life a century on.   With inputs from BBC

Janhvi Kapoor won the Female Actor of the Year award at the NDTV Indian of the Year ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday. Accepting the honour, Janhvi delivered an emotional and thoughtful speech, reflecting on her career journey, the influence of her film Homebound, and the growing sense of responsibility that comes with recognition and success. While acknowledging the film’s measurable achievements—such as awards, global attention and international exposure—Janhvi said its deeper impact on her personal and artistic growth mattered most to her. “There are visible milestones like awards, recognition and the incredible journey the film has taken,” she said. “But more importantly, it has helped me understand the kind of person and artist I want to be, and made me more aware of the fractures within our society.” “Extremely grateful,” says Janhvi She explained that working on the film sharpened her sensitivity to human emotions and contrasts. “It opened my eyes to the hope, goodness, beauty, fear, division and also the unity that exists in the world. For all these reasons, I feel deeply grateful to be part of this journey. I’m truly honoured,” she added. Praise for director Neeraj Ghaywan Janhvi expressed heartfelt appreciation for filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, thanking him for believing in her abilities. “I’m incredibly thankful to Neeraj sir for seeing potential in me that I often struggle to see in myself,” she said. According to her, the heart of the film lies in empathy and acknowledgment. “The film is about truly seeing people and feeling seen. That’s what we hope audiences take away from it—and that’s what it gave me as well,” she shared. On success and responsibility Speaking about the pressure that comes with being named Indian of the Year, Janhvi admitted that nervousness never really fades. “My hand is shaking while holding this mic because I’m surrounded by such inspiring people. The pressure never really goes away,” she said honestly. However, she noted that success has reshaped that pressure. “It’s turned into a sense of responsibility, and I’m much more aware of it now.” Lessons from her parents Janhvi also spoke about how her parents’ relationship influenced her values, emphasising respect, trust and personal freedom. “More than anything, it’s about respecting each other’s opinions, space and individuality—allowing people around you to grow without restricting them,” she said. She added that compassion plays a key role in personal growth. “When you’re surrounded by people who genuinely love and support you, you’re free to become your best self instead of being defined by others’ perceptions.” A lighter moment Bringing humour into the conversation, Janhvi joked about her lack of singing talent. “I was told everyone here has been singing—but that’s one thing I absolutely shouldn’t do. If I start singing, the hall will empty in seconds,” she quipped, drawing laughter. Reflecting on her childhood in a film family, she shared that performing came naturally to her. “I was very enterprising—I’d direct, act and organise little shows. People even had to pay to watch me perform,” she said with a grin, adding that they jokingly had to “pay to leave” as well. NDTV launched the Indian of the Year awards in 2003 to honour individuals who represent India’s progress and spirit. Through a rigorous selection process, the platform recognises excellence across 14 categories, including business, innovation, philanthropy, governance, sports, entertainment, culture and science.

Netflix is planning to buy Warner Bros, not to end traditional TV, but to adopt its proven practices and library of popular shows, industry experts say. The streaming giant excluded Discovery’s cable channels from the deal, showing it wants to avoid owning traditional broadcast, cable, and satellite infrastructure. The move reflects the growing shift of audiences from linear TV to online streaming. Netflix has long been seen as a disruptor, launching shows like House of Cards in 2013. But analysts say the company has often copied the structure and strategies of traditional television rather than replacing them. The acquisition of Warner Bros, including HBO, would give Netflix access to a large back catalogue of popular series like Friends, helping the platform attract subscribers with familiar content. Experts note this mirrors Amazon’s 2022 purchase of MGM, where the studio library became a key asset for streaming. This deal could also allow Netflix to bundle content and brands similar to the traditional cable model, offering a combined subscription experience. Examples include Disney’s integration of Hulu with Disney+ in the U.S. Netflix has already adopted several TV-style strategies, including live events, sports, and an ad-supported tier introduced in 2022. The company also produces local content for national audiences, mimicking the practices of traditional broadcasters. If the Warner Bros deal succeeds, it will accelerate Netflix’s adoption of conventional TV approaches while keeping its streaming platform at the center, blending innovation with the legacy of network and cable storytelling.   With inputs from NDTV