TV
Sweet Home Poised to Be the Next The Walking Dead: Netflix’s Apocalyptic K-Drama Dominates Streaming Charts
Among the growing library of Netflix thrillers, Sweet Home is rapidly drawing comparisons to a global phenomenon few thought could be matched. Very few shows have rivalled The Walking Dead in cult status. But this South Korean series is earning serious attention from viewers and critics alike. Let’s dive into its haunting storyline and the craze it’s sparking among genre fans worldwide.
Introducing Sweet Home: An Apocalyptic Korean Series
Adapted from the chilling webtoon by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, ‘Sweet Home’ wastes no time pulling viewers into its bleak, relentless world.
Song Kang portrays the lead role, with the supporting cast of Lee Si-young and Lee Jin-wook.
Written by Kim Hyung-min, Hong So-ri, and Park So-jung, this horror series highlights the directing prowess of Lee Eung-bok, Jang Young-woo, and Park So-hyun.
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Storyline: A Deep Dive into the World of a Grieving Teen
At the heart of the horror series lies Cha Hyun-su, a teenager barely holding on long before the world begins to unravel. Played with quiet intensity by Song Kang, Hyun-su’s life is already fractured. His family was lost in a devastating car crash, leaving him emotionally hollow and physically isolated in a decaying apartment complex. Then, just as the weight of grief threatens to consume him, something far worse arrives. One by one, his neighbours begin to mutate, grotesque forms born from rage, fear, and twisted desire. What follows is not just chaos but a grim fight for survival.
Yet, the series resists the temptation to become just another monster-horror drama. It refuses to take the obvious path. Hyun-su’s journey veers in an unexpected direction when he becomes infected, but instead of turning, he changes. His transformation gives him monstrous power, but it comes with a burden. He’s neither a hero nor a clear villain. The show deliberately muddies the waters, making viewers question who’s worth saving and what’s worth becoming.
As the seasons progress, the world grows bigger and the stakes higher. The claustrophobic horror of the apartment block gives way to a larger view of a shattered society. Survivors emerge, some with resilience, others with broken souls. Each one adds depth, offering glimpses of raw humanity and stubborn hope. It eventually includes the terrifying choices people make when the rules no longer apply.
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Why The Walking Dead Fans Love Sweet Home
Fans of zombie epics, from the classic Dawn of the Dead to The Walking Dead, will find familiar ground in Sweet Home's early setup. A group of survivors barricades themselves inside a crumbling apartment complex as the world outside spirals into chaos. The infected transform into violent creatures, and desperation spreads faster than the plague. At first glance, it follows the genre’s playbook: infection, collapse, survival. But the resemblance ends there.
What sets the K-drama apart is how it reinvents the familiar. These monsters aren’t mindless husks or undead wanderers. Each one reflects the inner torment of who they once were: manifestations of repressed desires, fears, and obsessions. Some are slow and hulking; others are impossibly swift. No two are alike. Even Hyun-su, once a grieving boy, now stands at a strange intersection of predator and protector. He wields supernatural powers that make him less victim, more reluctant guardian.
This unique twist nudges the story toward superhero territory but without the polish or comfort of caped saviours. It stays gritty. It stays raw. Meanwhile, the scope gradually expands beyond the apartment’s walls. Governments respond, panic turns political, and society fractures. These threads inject a sharp socio-political edge into the Walking Dead franchise, only brushed past. In doing so, ‘Sweet Home’ doesn’t just honour the genre; it redefines it.
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7 months ago
Mirzapur, Scam 1992, Paatal Lok, Panchayat talents unite for ‘Baaghi Bechare’
A dynamic lineup of talent from some of India’s most acclaimed web series and films has united for Baaghi Bechare, a new satire marking the directorial debut of writer-editor Sumit Purohit.
Known for his work on Inside Edge and the biopic Srikanth, and a BAFTA Breakthrough India participant in 2020/2021, Purohit is stepping behind the camera for the first time.
The film features a stellar cast led by ‘Scam 1992’ star Pratik Gandhi and ‘Paatal Lok’ and ‘Stree 2’ actor Abhishek Banerjee, reports Variety.
Joining them is Panchayat’s Faisal Malik and Mirzapur creator Puneet Krishna, who co-writes the film with Purohit.
Described as a sharp satire, Baaghi Bechare reflects a growing trend of prominent performers turning to independent, experimental storytelling beyond mainstream formats.
“Satire, for me, is a form of catharsis. It helps us confront truths that are too absurd to believe and too real to ignore,” says Purohit. “Collaborating with so many creative and talented people on this journey gives me hope that we can continue telling stories that are honest and unafraid to reflect the times we live in.”
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Gandhi, fresh off his comedic role in Madgaon Express, speaks of the artistic freedom the film provides. “It’s refreshing to be part of a film rooted in genuine artistic collaboration and craft. There’s a rare freedom in working without the usual market pressures,” he says.
“As an actor, being in such an ecosystem is truly inspiring. You feel a responsibility to support it and be a part of its journey.”
Baaghi Bechare is produced by BE8 Films Production (Ashwani Kumar), Traintripper Films (Chippy Babu and Abhishek Sharma), with Inclusive Pictures serving as co-producer.
7 months ago
‘The Great Moose Migration’ captivates devoted fans of Swedish slow TV sensation
Before Sweden’s beloved slow TV series The Great Moose Migration returned on Tuesday, 62-year-old Ulla Malmgren made sure she was fully prepped—stocked with coffee and pre-cooked meals. She’s in it for the long haul, not wanting to miss a second of the 24/7 broadcast that spans 20 days.
“Sleep? That’s off the table. I just don’t sleep,” she admitted.
Malmgren is far from alone. Known in Swedish as Den stora älgvandringen—and sometimes translated into English as The Great Elk Trek—this unique nature show launched in 2019 with nearly a million viewers. By 2024, it had drawn over 9 million streams on SVT Play, Sweden’s national broadcaster’s streaming platform.
Due to warmer weather triggering early moose movement, the livestream began ahead of schedule this year. Malmgren was ready.
Running through May 4, remote cameras are set up to track dozens of moose as they cross the Ångerman River, about 300 km (187 miles) northwest of Stockholm, making their annual journey to lush summer feeding grounds.
Though hours can pass without much activity, fans say the slow pace is exactly what draws them in.
“I feel super calm, but also hyper-aware—like, ‘Was that a moose?! What if one shows up? I can’t leave for the bathroom!’” said 20-year-old William Garp Liljefors, who’s amassed over 150 moose plushies since becoming a fan in 2020.
The Rise of Slow TVThe Great Moose Migration follows in the footsteps of slow TV programming that began in 2009 with a real-time broadcast of a seven-hour Norwegian train ride by NRK. Since then, the concept has caught on globally, with similar programs airing in the UK, China, and beyond. In the Netherlands, a "fish doorbell" livestream lets viewers signal officials when migrating fish are blocked by a lock.
Annette Hill, a media and communications professor at Sweden’s Jönköping University, says slow TV echoes reality TV—but without the artificial drama. It offers a peaceful, authentic experience that unfolds in real time.
“It’s oddly captivating,” Hill said. “There’s no chaos, no spectacle—just quiet beauty moment by moment.”
As both a media scholar and a fan, Hill says the show helps her unwind and reconnect with the seasonal rhythms of nature.
“It creates a serene, atmospheric vibe at home, which I love,” she said.
Bringing Nature HomeEven the show’s production team benefits from its calming effect, according to SVT project manager Johan Erhag.
“Everyone who works on it feels their stress levels drop,” he said.
The migration route has been used by moose for generations, making it easy for the production crew to know where to install nearly 12 miles (20,000 meters) of cable and strategically place 26 daytime and seven night cameras, plus a drone for aerial shots.
A small team of about 15 people produces the show remotely from a control room in Umeå, ensuring they don’t disrupt the animals.
SVT doesn’t disclose the show's exact budget, but Erhag says it’s relatively low-cost, especially given last year’s 506 hours of broadcast footage.
Swedes have long been intrigued by the country’s estimated 300,000 moose—huge but elusive creatures known as “Kings of the Forest.” Adult bulls can stand nearly 7 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh close to 1,000 pounds, yet they are typically solitary and shy.
“Most people rarely see one in real life—maybe once or twice while driving,” Erhag said. “That’s part of the appeal. And now, we’re bringing them into everyone’s living room.”
A Passionate FollowingViewer Hanna Sandberg, 36, started watching in 2019 but didn’t spot any moose her first year. She returned in 2020, finally saw some, and became a dedicated fan.
“Watching them in their natural environment like this—it’s something you just can’t experience otherwise,” she said.
When a moose finally steps into frame after hours of stillness, the mood instantly shifts. SVT sends out a push alert—“Första älgarna i bild!” or “First moose on camera!”—and viewers flock to the stream, cheering on the animal in real time.
“I’d love to be a fly on the wall in every living room watching,” said Malmgren. “I bet a million people are shouting the same thing: ‘Go on! You’ve got this!’”
Malmgren is part of a Facebook group with over 76,000 other fans, all committed to catching as many hours as possible.
Liljefors recalled being late for school after spotting moose on the stream. “My teacher thought I saw one in the city. I was like, ‘No, on TV!’”
Malmgren says her friends and family know better than to interrupt during migration season.
“If someone asks what I’m doing, they stop themselves: ‘Oh, never mind—it’s the migration,’” she said with a laugh.
8 months ago
Farewell to ACP Pradyuman: Tribute to Sony TV Crime Drama CID's Legendary Character
Sony TV's signature crime drama CID bid farewell to its legendary character, ACP Pradyuman. Portrayed by the seasoned actor Shivaji Satam, the stern yet beloved officer was not just a character—he was a phenomenon. Revered for his sharp gaze, commanding presence, and the unforgettable line ‘Daya, darwaza tod do,’ he remained the heart of the show. Let’s revisit the legacy that redefined investigative drama.
ACP Pradyuman’s Final Case
It was the 31st episode of Season 2, aptly titled ‘The End of The Watch,’ and aired on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The episode revolved around the CID team's attempt to apprehend the elusive criminal Barboza, portrayed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. In a dramatic twist, Barboza ensnared the formidable ACP in a fatal trap, culminating in a powerful explosion. Though the blast left no visible trace of Pradyuman’s body, the implication of death hung heavy in the air. It fuelled widespread speculation among the die-hard fans about a possible return.
However, Sony TV, the maker of the show, later put all rumours to rest with an official announcement on social media. It confirmed that the beloved character’s journey had indeed reached its end. The decision was reportedly aligned with actor Shivaji Satam’s wish to take a step back.
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Tracing the Footsteps of CID and Its Iron-Willed Hero
Launched in 1998, CID swiftly carved its name into Indian television history as the longest-running crime investigation drama. Created by B. P. Singh, the show was more than a whodunit. With gripping plots, dramatic interrogations, and an ensemble cast of detectives, it built a loyal viewership that spanned generations.
Alongside the stalwart Pradyuman, the iconic CID team includes Daya (Dayanand Shetty), Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava), Freddy (Dinesh Phadnis), and Dr. R. P. Salunkhe (Narendra Gupta).
The golden era of CID, roughly between 2002 and 2012, witnessed Satam’s commanding presence shaping the series’ identity. His piercing eyes, abrupt turns, and trademark catchphrases brought not just authority but an emotional weight to every case. His ability to switch from steely resolve to profound empathy made the character deeply human, yet larger than life. It was through this role that CID found its moral compass-—an unshakeable pillar of justice in a world mired in crime and deception.
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It perfectly echoed the sentiment of the devoted fan who responded to Sony's social media post with poignant words: “It’s not RIP to ACP Pradyuman. It’s RIP to CID”. A sentiment that echoed the end of an era, where the show’s spirit seemed inseparable from its iconic leader.
The Man Behind the Legend
A veteran actor with decades of experience, Shivaji Satam became the face of one of Indian television's most iconic characters. His portrayal of the unwavering, sharp-witted officer was a masterclass in acting, capturing the hearts of millions. With his commanding voice, piercing gaze, and impeccable timing, Satam became synonymous with Pradyuman.
For his exceptional performance, Satam was honoured with the Best Actor award at the Indian Telly Awards in 2002 and 2003, as well as the Gold Award in 2012.
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8 months ago
Panchayat Season 4 to premiere on July 2
After three successful seasons, the much-loved series ‘Panchayat’ is all set to return with its fourth season. As the show marks its five-year journey, the creators have released a humorous announcement video, revealing that the new season will premiere on July 2.
On Thursday, Prime Video shared the video on Instagram, featuring social media influencers like Bhupendra Jogi and Darshan Magdum. Actress Gia Manek, popularly known for her role as Gopi Bahu in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, added a comedic touch by scrubbing books and mocking the internet’s obsession with Panchayat-inspired memes.
She poked fun at the popular dialogue “Ek-ek chai hojaaye (Shall we have tea together?)”, dismissing it as “just a sentence.”
Actor Jitendra Kumar also appeared in the clip, initially in his Panchayat character Abhishek and later as Jeetu Bhaiya from Kota Factory.
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He delivered a witty line: “Don’t chase virality, create a moment,” before teasing the upcoming season’s release. When Gia asked if they could have green tea on a water tank to celebrate the show’s return, he cheekily ran away without answering. The makers revealed at the end of the video that the show is set to premiere on July 2.
The fourth season promises to bring back the charming slice-of-life storytelling fans adore. Viewers can expect more heartfelt moments and humorous twists as Abhishek, Pradhan Ji, and the quirky villagers of Phulera take on new challenges.
Panchayat is produced by The Viral Fever and created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar.
The new season is written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya.
The ensemble cast includes Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha.
With inputs from Indian media
8 months ago
Nexus TV’s grand Eid celebration: A week of music and entertainment
Nexus Television has organised a seven-day special programme featuring vibrant musical performances by renowned artists on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The special music show "Ganer Opare" will be hosted by Dr Zakia Sultana and produced by Mahmudul Hasan. Popular singer Shireen Jawad, famous for her Panjabiwala song, will join the show for music and lively discussions. The programme will be aired on Eid day at 8 pm.
On the second day of Eid, Abanti Sithi will mesmerise the audience with her soulful voice. The third day will feature the renowned folk singer Eliza Putul.
9 months ago
Amazon Prime to stream Trump's 'The Apprentice' reality show
“The Apprentice,” the long-running reality TV show that boosted Donald Trump’s profile, will begin streaming on Amazon's Prime Video, the company announced Monday.
The show’s first seven seasons will be available on Amazon's streaming platform, with the first season premiering Monday and subsequent seasons arriving every week until late April.
Debuting in 2004, “The Apprentice” and a spinoff, “Celebrity Apprentice,” propelled Trump to national stardom following a string of bankruptcies and bad business deals in the 1990s that had splintered his New York-based real estate empire.
The series, meant to showcase Trump’s business acumen, was a major hit, and Trump’s name became a global brand that helped launch his political career. The show featured contestants taking part in various challenges for a $250,000 salary and a job with The Trump Organization.
Trump expressed enthusiasm for the news on Truth Social and in a statement included in Amazon’s statement.
“I look forward to watching this show myself — such great memories, and so much fun, but most importantly, it was a learning experience for all of us!” Trump said in Amazon’s release.
Amazon's decision to stream “The Apprentice” is the latest indication the company is attempting to strengthen its relationship with Trump, which was testy during his first term.
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In January, Amazon said it would release a new documentary about first lady Melania Trump, promising an “unprecedented behind-the-scenes look” at her life.
Weeks before the November election, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced that The Washington Post, which he owns, would not endorse a presidential candidate, sparking a wave of resignations and thousands of subscription cancellations.
On Monday, a columnist who has worked at the Post for four decades resigned after she said the newspaper’s management decided not to run her commentary critical of Bezos’ new editorial policy. The policy, announced last month, narrows the topics covered by the paper’s opinion section to personal liberties and the free market.
In December, Amazon said it would donate $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. The company also streamed the inauguration on its Prime Video service, a separate in-kind donation worth another $1 million.
9 months ago
Lady Gaga teases mystery role in Wednesday Season 2
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lady Gaga has shared her excitement about working alongside Jenna Ortega in the highly anticipated second season of Wednesday.
The pop icon, who has joined the hit Netflix series in a mystery role, spoke about her experience in a recent interview while promoting her latest album.
“I don’t want to reveal anything about my role in the show—I want to keep it a surprise. But I love Jenna, and I had an amazing time!” Gaga told Entertainment Weekly.
Reports first surfaced in November that the Oscar-winning performer had been filming in Europe for the gothic drama, though details about her character and the extent of her involvement remain undisclosed.
Wednesday, which premiered in 2022, follows the titular character, played by Ortega, as she navigates life at Nevermore Academy while honing her psychic abilities.
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The show quickly became a cultural sensation, featuring a cast that includes Gwendoline Christie, Luis Guzmán, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Christina Ricci, who played Wednesday in the Addams Family films of the 1990s.
Ortega has previously expressed her admiration for Gaga and even hoped she would join the second season. At the 2023 Golden Globes, she speculated on how the singer might fit into the Wednesday universe.
"I'm sure Netflix would love that. Mrs Thornhill and Wednesday had this odd mentor-like connection, so if Gaga were involved, it could be two monsters who understand each other," Ortega had said.
Beyond the show, Ortega and Gaga share an indirect connection. The singer’s 2011 song Bloody Mary saw resurgence in popularity after fans paired it with Ortega’s viral dance scene from Wednesday, propelling the track back into the charts more than a decade after its release.
9 months ago
Mehazabien Chowdhury shares wedding photos
Popular Bangladeshi actress Mehazabien Chowdhury has announced her marriage to renowned director Adnan Al Rajeev and shared their wedding photos through a social media post on Tuesday.
Reflecting on their journey, Mehazabien reminisced about their first meeting on April 9, 2012, when she encountered Rajeev, describing him as “a boy with crooked teeth and a beautiful smile.”
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10 months ago
'Squid Game' returns looking for win with season 2
Returning to the set of Squid Game for its highly anticipated second season, Lee Jung-jae admitted it felt as though he had never left. “I had been living with Gi-hun for two years, including promotions,” the actor shared in a recent interview, adding, “I really felt like I was him.”
The global phenomenon, which debuted in 2021, captivated audiences with its dark premise of a deadly competition where individuals in debt compete in childhood-inspired games for a chance at financial freedom. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show and garnered prestigious accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Lee and director Hwang Dong-hyuk. The success propelled Lee’s career to new heights, landing him at the Cannes Film Festival and in his first English-language role for Disney+’s Star Wars series The Acolyte.
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When Netflix ordered a second season, Lee initially questioned the timeline, recalling how the first season took years to develop. However, Hwang surprised everyone by drafting not only season two but also a third and final season in just six months. “I’m not sure I can write something that fast again,” Hwang admitted. The director noted that crafting new characters came naturally, but deciding Gi-hun’s trajectory was the most challenging part. Lee praised Hwang’s work, calling him “a genius” after reading the scripts.
Korean actor Yang Dong-geong, a new cast member, acknowledged the pressure of following up a successful first season. “There’s a Korean saying, ‘There’s not a sequel that does better than its prequel,’” Yang remarked. Despite the challenges, season two has already received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Series, signaling high expectations.
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The show’s international appeal continues to elevate careers. Lee Byung-hun, reprising his villainous role from season one, reflected on how Squid Game brought him global recognition after over three decades in the industry. “If Squid Game makes people curious about my earlier work, nothing could bring me greater joy,” he said.
New cast member Jo Yu-ri revealed that the audition process was rigorous, with months between callbacks. Reflecting on landing the role, she said, “I remember crying when I got the part.” Netflix enforced strict secrecy around casting announcements, though close friends celebrated the milestone privately.
The Squid Game franchise is expanding, with a second season of its reality competition show already confirmed and an English-language adaptation in development. Meanwhile, post-production on season three of the original series is underway.
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Season two hasn’t been without controversy. One of the new characters is transgender, portrayed by actor Park Sung-hoon. Hwang acknowledged criticism over the decision not to cast a transgender actor but explained that it reflects the limited representation of LGBTQ individuals in Korean media. “Unfortunately, marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community are not widely accepted in Korea,” Hwang said, emphasizing that the team conducted thorough research but could not find a suitable transgender actor. He defended Park’s casting, calling his performance “the perfect fit” for the role.
As anticipation builds for the next installment, the cast and crew remain optimistic about continuing the story of Squid Game while navigating the pressures of global success and cultural sensitivities.
1 year ago