Katie Palmer

Sian Clifford joins the second season of the BBC series Ludwig as MP Joanne Kemper. The profile reviews her upbringing in Ealing, her close friendship with Phoebe Waller-Bridge and her acclaimed role as Claire in Fleabag, which earned her a BAFTA and an Emmy nomination. Clifford also discusses the emotional difficulty of playing Sylvia in Life After Life, particularly a stillbirth scene, and runs Still Space, a platform focused on mindfulness, conscious living and self-discovery.

Netflix is streaming Lady J, a 2018 French period romance based on characters and events from Denis Diderot’s novel Jacques the Fatalist. Set in the 1770s, the film follows the widow Madame de La Pommeraye after her relationship with the libertine Marquis des Arcis collapses, prompting a scandalous revenge plot involving a nobleman’s illegitimate daughter. Viewers have praised its ornate sets, costumes, visual style, writing and acting, while director Emmanuel Mouret described the source material as unusually modern and noted the scarcity of films focused on the years before the French Revolution. The film holds an 85% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating and was a box-office success.

Reacher season 4 consists of eight episodes, with the first three released together on Prime Video and the remaining five arriving weekly until the September 16 finale. The season adapts Lee Child’s novel Gone Tomorrow and follows Jack Reacher as he becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy. The Neagley spin-off will release all eight episodes on the same day as the Reacher finale, while the main series has already been renewed for a fifth season based on Make Me.

More than 317 Mirror readers voted on which of five cancelled Netflix series should return. Lockwood & Co won decisively with 61% of the vote, ahead of The Boroughs at 17%, 1899 at 10%, Kaos at 7% and The Abandons at 5%. The supernatural detective thriller, based on Jonathan Stroud’s books, was cancelled four months after its January 2023 release and ended on a major cliffhanger, prompting fans to call for another network to revive it. The poll followed Netflix’s surprise renewal of Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black for a fourth season.

House of the Dragon season four is expected to be the show's final season and is slated for release in 2028, although HBO has not announced an exact date. The renewal was announced alongside a second season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Showrunner Ryan Condal says the writing is underway and that only one season remains, which will conclude the Dance of the Dragons storyline based on George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood. The series is available through Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO UK.

Sky’s five-part supernatural thriller Possession stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Claudia, a bi-racial lawyer who travels from Bristol to Jamaica and discovers that a disputed former plantation, Hope Hill, appears in her nightmares. Created and written by Karla Crome, the series explores buried secrets, identity, colonialism and the persistence of historical injustice. It also features Jonny Lee Miller, Sheldon Shepherd and Bel Powley, was filmed in Bristol and Jamaica, carries a 15 rating except for an 18-rated third episode, and is available to stream on Sky and NOW.

Ella Rubin and Anne Hathaway are not related by blood, despite their striking resemblance. The actresses played mother and daughter in the 2024 film The Idea of You, with Hathaway portraying Solène Marchand and Rubin playing her daughter Izzy. Rubin has said Hathaway encouraged her to apologize less unnecessarily and praised her warmth and genuine interest in others. Rubin currently stars as Annie Jacobson in Prime Video’s teen drama Sterling Point.

Prime Video has commissioned a US version of the comedy competition Last One Laughing, with its cast to be announced later. The format puts 10 comedians together for six hours and challenges them to make each other laugh without laughing themselves. The UK edition, hosted by Jimmy Carr, has been a major success, with Bob Mortimer and David Mitchell winning its first two seasons, while a Halloween special and third season are planned. Fulwell Entertainment will produce the US adaptation, following the format’s expansion to more than 25 territories.

Miss Congeniality, the 2000 action comedy starring Sandra Bullock as FBI agent Gracie Hart undercover at a beauty pageant, is climbing Netflix’s Top 10 chart alongside its sequel. The article explains that “Miss Congeniality” refers to a pageant award for an agreeable and supportive contestant, which Gracie earns after saving finalists from a bomb threat. It also notes that Bullock was 36 when the film was released and received a Golden Globe nomination for the role.

ITV's five-part 2012 drama Mrs Biggs, starring Sheridan Smith and Daniel Mays, will leave Netflix on 7 August. The series tells the story of Charmian Biggs, wife of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs, covering the 1963 robbery, his escape from prison and the family's struggles from Charmian's perspective. Smith won the 2013 BAFTA Television Award for Best Actress, and viewers have praised the drama's performances, writing and non-sensational treatment of the true story.

Actor Vincent Pastore has died at his New York City home at age 80. Best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, Pastore also appeared in Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and The Jerky Boys: The Movie, and briefly competed on Dancing with the Stars. His manager Robert Attermann praised his talent, generosity and support for younger actors. The piece also highlights Pastore’s close, humorous friendship with comedian Joey Diaz, with whom he discussed creating a sitcom about estranged half-brothers.

Sarah Moore, host of BBC One’s Money for Nothing, is profiled through details of her career and personal life. She recently celebrated 25 years of marriage to Pete and has three children. Initially trained as a chef, Moore later developed a career in vintage-inspired design and upcycling, winning The Great Interior Design Challenge and presenting Money for Nothing and Home Greek Home. She also owns and rents out 15 Bond Street, a renovated cottage in Arundel decorated in her signature vintage and recycled style.

Mortal Kombat II, a 2026 martial arts film starring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, is now streaming on HBO Max after its cinema release. Fans on IMDb have praised its action, humour, storyline, video-game faithfulness and strong nostalgic connection to the Mortal Kombat games and soundtrack. A possible sequel, Mortal Kombat III, has been discussed but has not been officially approved.

The trailer for the fifth and final season of Netflix’s Outer Banks has left fans emotional about the series ending. The story follows the remaining Pogues after JJ’s death, the destruction of their home and their attempt to recover the Blue Crown, which is rumored to revive the dead. Viewers are also confused about Sarah Cameron’s pregnancy after season four, while Madelyn Cline explained that the time jump is too short for a visible baby bump and that practical filming conditions influenced the decision. Season five is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 20.

Ofcom data indicates that Netflix became the first choice for 26% of UK viewers in 2025, narrowly overtaking the BBC at 25%, while ITV fell to 15%. Netflix was especially popular among 16-to-24-year-olds and was more strongly associated with high-quality, relevant and creative content, although the BBC remained ahead for alternative viewpoints and British drama. The figures represent a reversal from 2024 but are only indicative because of changes to the methodology. The BBC is also considering whether its £180 licence fee should cover households that stream non-live content, while older viewers increasingly watched drama on streaming platforms.

The article discusses a letter Elize Matsunaga wrote to her daughter from prison, pleading for forgiveness and expressing her wish to reunite with her. Matsunaga was convicted in 2016 of murdering and dismembering her husband, Marcos Matsunaga, and is serving a 16-year sentence while on parole. The letter, first published by journalist Ullisses Campbell in 2021, has resurfaced following the release of Netflix's true-crime drama Elize: Shadows of a Woman. The daughter remains in the care of Marcos Matsunaga's parents, who have full custody.

Blade Runner 2099 will premiere all eight episodes simultaneously on Prime Video on November 25, 2026, in more than 240 countries and territories. Set 50 years after Blade Runner 2049, the series follows Cora, played by Hunter Schafer, a fugitive forced to become a Blade Runner, who teams up with Michelle Yeoh’s dying Replicant character Olwen to pursue a dangerous runaway and prevent the destruction of their dystopian city. First-look images and a teaser trailer were unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, while Prime Video subscription options were also outlined.

Gordon Ramsay visited the struggling Bonapartes restaurant in Silsden during the first episode of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, where head chef Tim Gray served him a rancid scallop that caused him to vomit. Ramsay criticised the kitchen’s poor standards and warned the spoiled food could have endangered customers. The episode ended with the restaurant briefly closing before reopening, while Tim later moved to another restaurant. The show remains available to stream on Channel 4.

The film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV but is not yet streaming on Disney+. As with other Disney theatrical releases, it is expected to arrive on Disney+ within three to six months of its cinema debut, though no official release date has been confirmed. Fans expressed frustration over the delay, while the film is scheduled for a DVD release on August 26 with bonus features.

The newly released Avengers: Doomsday trailer reveals Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom, showcases Rebecca Romjin’s return as Mystique, and ends with the surprise comeback of Chris Evans as a younger Steve Rogers. Thor unites heroes from across the MCU to confront Doom, while fan reactions highlight strong anticipation ahead of the film’s December 18 release.

A Netflix miniseries adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel One Day continues to draw strong emotional reactions from viewers, who describe the story of Dexter and Emma as heartbreaking and unforgettable. Fans on social media and IMDb praise the performances of leads Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod and label the series a masterpiece. A Sky promotion offering Netflix access is also highlighted.

The 2014 biblical drama Noah, starring Russell Crowe and directed by Darren Aronofsky, is streaming for free on Pluto TV until August 31. The film, which grossed over $359 million and features a high-profile cast, received positive critical response but faced bans in several Muslim countries due to its depiction of prophets. Reviewers praised its performances and ambitious scale, drawing comparisons to classic epics, while noting its significant divergence from traditional biblical accounts.

The article reviews the cliffhanger ending of Prime Video’s thriller-comedy Ride or Die and states that the series has not yet been renewed for a second season as the platform awaits viewership data. It outlines unresolved plot points involving Judith, Debbie, Ana and The Director, noting that the creators appear open to continuing the story. Fans will need to wait for an official decision while the first season remains available to stream.

A Netflix docu-drama recounts the true story of Alejandra, a Mexican woman who faked a pregnancy after repeated miscarriages and family pressure, ultimately abducting a newborn from the hospital where she worked in 2009. The film blends dramatization with real footage, exploring her motivations and the consequences of her actions, and is adapted from Randall Fuquay’s book by filmmaker Maite Alberdi.

Calam Lynch, who plays Sam in Prime Video’s action comedy Ride or Die, is a British actor known for roles including Theo Sharpe in Bridgerton’s second season. Born to Irish actors Niamh Cusack and Finbar Lynch, he shifted from initial interest in football to acting after guidance from his cousin Max Irons. His career has included roles in Dunkirk, Sweetpea, Miss Austen and Outrageous, alongside stage work developed during his time at Oxford University.

The miniseries Best Interests has risen into Netflix’s Top 10, drawing strong emotional reactions from viewers who describe it as powerful, heartbreaking and difficult to watch. Starring Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen, the drama follows parents fighting for their daughter’s medical treatment and was inspired by real-life family challenges similar to the case of Archie Battersbee. Originally aired on BBC One and praised for its performances and realism, the series is receiving renewed attention and acclaim following its Netflix debut.

Chris Packham criticised Clarkson’s Farm on Celebrity Gogglebox, calling its portrayal of farming unrealistic and idealised. His comments prompted strong responses from Harriet Cowan, who defended farming practices, and Jeremy Clarkson, who argued Packham knew better based on a previous visit to his farm. The exchange highlighted tensions between conservationist perspectives and the show’s depiction of agriculture.

A British-French crime drama, The Tunnel, is receiving strong praise from viewers who compare its quality to series like Breaking Bad and The Wire. Starring Stephen Dillane and Clémence Poésy as detectives investigating a cross-border murder, the show is celebrated for its acting, writing and production. Fans highlight its atmosphere, storytelling and cast performances, calling it one of the best crime dramas made. Season 1 is available on Prime Video and Season 2 on NOW.

Viewers expressed frustration with Netflix’s new true crime series Worst Neighbor Ever, criticising its use of animated re‑enactments and saying the choice undermines the seriousness of the stories. Some reported stopping the show because they disliked the style, while others defended the animation as a clearer and more effective alternative to live-action recreations.

Netflix’s reboot of Little House on the Prairie features a brief cameo by original cast member Alison Arngrim, known for playing Nellie Oleson, now appearing as a mysterious character named Ida. Arngrim discussed her enthusiasm for the role and offered advice to the actor taking over the Nellie character in the reboot’s second season. Fans shared their excitement on social media, celebrating her unexpected appearance and the darker tone of the new adaptation.

A widely acclaimed 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, will air for free on BBC Two on July 12. Fans and reviewers praise the film as one of the best Austen adaptations, noting its emotional impact, strong performances and successful interpretation of the novel. The movie has been recognized in major rankings and continues to draw enthusiastic viewer reviews following its departure from Netflix.

Fans reacted strongly to news that Ariana Grande will no longer appear in American Horror Story Season 13 due to scheduling conflicts with her tour, with many expressing relief and preferring returning cast members, while others were disappointed and had looked forward to her involvement. Casting additions and returning actors were confirmed ahead of the season’s September premiere.

Prime Video’s upcoming action‑comedy series Ride or Die, starring Hannah Waddingham as an assassin and Octavia Spencer as her unsuspecting best friend, premieres on July 15 with all eight episodes released simultaneously. The cast includes Bill Nighy, Ed Skrein, Sylvia Hoeks, Calam Lynch and others. The story follows the pair on a chaotic, dangerous journey across Europe after a mission goes wrong. Waddingham shared behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes from filming, including accidentally breaking a train door.

Michael Sheen’s performance in the crime drama Prodigal Son continues to draw praise from viewers who describe the series as original, emotional and engaging. The show, which follows the son of a serial killer forced to confront his imprisoned father, was cancelled after two seasons despite strong fan support. Viewers continue to call for its revival, commending its unique concept, strong acting and compelling father‑son dynamic, while the series remains available to stream on Prime Video.

A new Netflix release revisits the 1988 Lockerbie bombing through a six‑part drama originally aired by the BBC, focusing on the parallel British and American investigations into the attack. The series, featuring Connor Swindells, Patrick J Adams and Eddie Marsan, portrays the scale of the disaster and the multinational effort to identify those responsible. Early viewer reviews describe the drama as powerful, sensitive and respectful in its reconstruction of events. It arrives on Netflix on July 30.

The Irish road‑trip drama Joyride, starring Olivia Colman and Charlie Reid, will leave Netflix on July 31. The 2022 film follows a 12‑year‑old boy and a troubled woman who form an unexpected bond while traveling across Ireland. Viewers have praised the movie as emotional, funny, original and heartwarming, with strong performances from both leads. Colman has spoken about her deep connection to the role, which was filmed in County Kerry.

The BBC has commissioned a three‑part Christmas special of The Other Bennet Sister, following the success of the original series. Ella Bruccoleri will return as Mary Bennet, with strong expectations that fan‑favourite Dónal Finn will reprise his role as Tom Hayward. The special is expected to follow the newlyweds’ early married life, though exact plot details remain unknown. Episodes will run 30 minutes each and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, with BritBox handling distribution in the US and Canada.

Black Doves returns to Netflix for a second season, continuing the story of Helen as her husband Wallace prepares to become Prime Minister. Production began in late 2025, with release expected before the end of 2026. Returning cast members include Sarah Lancashire, Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, alongside new additions such as Ambika Mod, Sam Riley and Neve Campbell. The season explores shifting loyalties and high-stakes threats as characters search for answers within the secretive spy network.

A Netflix documentary episode examines the disappearance of 70-year-old Charles Wilding, whose fate is uncovered through an LAPD investigation linking his neighbor Caroline Herrling to financial fraud and his death. Herrling used Wilding’s identity to steal money and purchase property, later attempting to dissolve and dismember his body after it was found by her partner, Jason Kroth. Herrling received a 20-year prison sentence for wire fraud conspiracy, while Kroth was sentenced to over 16 years for related charges.

Annabel Croft recounts distressing moments during her husband Mel Coleman's final hours, describing a nurse whose blunt and mocking attitude caused significant emotional trauma for the family as they processed his rapid decline from colon cancer. While praising most staff involved in his care, she reflects on a single encounter that left her haunted, highlighting the family's shock as they learned Mel had only hours to live despite his recent diagnosis.

A Netflix true‑crime documentary episode recounts how Jamal “JT” Thomas terrorized neighbors in Eastmont Hills, culminating in the fatal shooting of Miles Armstead. Witness Matt Guido’s frantic 911 call and CCTV footage reveal the violence, while interviews describe ongoing harassment following Thomas’s eviction. Miles’s wife, Melina, sensed something was wrong before discovering he had been killed. Thomas was convicted of first‑degree murder in 2024 and later sentenced to nearly 29 years to life.

Rolf Harris’ former home in Bray went to auction in 2026 for less than half its original £4 million asking price, with high renovation costs cited as a major deterrent. The riverside property, long occupied by Harris and his family, failed to meet its reserve price at first but ultimately sold after the guide price dropped to £1.755 million. Interest in the house revived following renewed public attention from a Prime Video documentary examining Harris’ history of sexual offences.

Rolf Harris’s criminal convictions and prison sentence are outlined, noting he served nearly three years before his 2017 release. Additional charges brought at that time resulted in no further convictions. Harris lived in Bray, Berkshire, until his death in 2023 from neck cancer and old age, followed by his wife Alwen’s death the next year. The article also references a Prime Video documentary examining his decades of abuse and public downfall.

Annabel Croft returned to BBC’s Wimbledon 2026 coverage while reflecting on the severe online abuse that once left her feeling physically sick and shaken, including threatening imagery posted on social media. In earlier discussions on Eurosport’s Women in Sport programme, she highlighted the impact of online anonymity and the emotional toll of harassment. She also noted in a BBC interview that tennis players often struggle to build normal social lives and only begin to understand their personal identities after retiring from the sport.

Prime Video’s documentary on Rolf Harris revisits the entertainer’s history of sexual abuse and the impact on his family. Harris, convicted in 2014 and released in 2017, died in 2023. His wife, Alwen Hughes, who supported him throughout his trial and marriage, died in 2024 at age 92 after suffering a stroke and deteriorating health.

The article highlights renewed interest in The Knick, a period medical drama praised by viewers as a masterpiece and recommended for fans of Call the Midwife. Starring Clive Owen as a character based on pioneering surgeon William Stewart Halsted, the series explores early 1900s medical challenges and racial tensions at a fictionalised New York hospital. Despite its 2017 cancellation by Cinemax, a new season and a Harlem‑set spin‑off are now in development. The show is available to stream on HBO Max, with Sky offering a promotional bundle that includes access to the platform.

Reports the death of Dame Penelope Keith and updates on the lives and careers of her fellow cast members from The Good Life, noting the passing of Richard Briers, Paul Eddington and Reginald Marsh, and outlining Felicity Kendal’s recent roles and personal reflections. Highlights the show’s enduring cultural impact and includes statements from Keith’s family.

John Cena’s rising popularity following the success of Netflix’s Little Brother has renewed interest in his background, including his age, height, and personal decisions. The actor and former WWE champion, now 49, stands 6ft 1in and comes from a notable family with athletic and academic ties. Cena has spoken openly about choosing not to have children, explaining that he and his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, share long-standing views on living a child‑free life due to their priorities and ambitions. The article also highlights his career transition from wrestling to acting and the strong viewer response to his latest film.

The South Korean action thriller Agent Kim Reactivated, based on the webtoon Manager Kim, has debuted on Netflix and SBS TV with two episodes. The 10‑episode series releases two instalments weekly and follows former operative Kim Do‑hyeon as he searches for his kidnapped daughter. Early viewership has surged, and fan reviews praise the show's emotional depth, pacing and action.

Fans voiced frustration over Netflix cancelling several well‑liked series, prompting some to end their subscriptions. Mindhunter topped fan revival requests, followed by Kaos, GLOW, Santa Clarita Diet and Archive 81, with viewers highlighting unresolved storylines and abrupt endings. Many expressed disappointment with Netflix’s strategy of cancelling shows despite strong fan support or critical acclaim.

A surge of viewer praise has renewed interest in The Mentalist, the Simon Baker–led crime drama about a former psychic assisting the California Bureau of Investigation. Fans describe the series as unique, brilliantly acted and one of the best crime dramas ever made, with many sharing enthusiastic reviews on IMDb and social media. Originally airing from 2008 to 2015 on CBS, the series achieved major ratings success and remains available to stream on Prime Video.