Netflix

Netflix renews Stranger Things for fourth series

The 80s inspired sci-fi show, created by the Duffer Brothers, follows the residents of Hawkins, Indiana, as they struggle to uncover truth behind a series of supernatural happenings occurring within their previously quiet town.

The new series tagline, ‘We’re not in Hawkins anymore’, suggests that Stranger Things will explore The Upside Down in a new location.

Mark Thompson warns government policies endanger the BBC at the Steve Hewlett Memorial Lecture

Mark Thompson, President and CEO of The New York Times Company (Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian)

Giving the third Steve Hewlett Memorial Lecture at London’s Westminster University, he accused policy makers of largely concentrating “on tightening the funding pressure and other constraints on the BBC further” including “the disastrous withdrawal of funding free licence fees for the over 75’s” agreed in the 2016 Charter now coming into full effect.  

Jenna Coleman joins new BBC and Netflix crime drama The Serpent

Jenna Coleman, Billy Howle, Ellie Bamber (Credit: BBC)

They join Tahar Rahim (The Looming Tower) who will play real life serial killer Charles Sobhraj, one of the most evasive criminals of the 20th century.

The series, written by Richard Warlow and Toby Finlay, follows Sobhraj’s murderous spree, which was estimated to have taken place between 1975 and 1976 across India, Thailand and Nepal’s ‘Hippie Trail’.

He was the chief suspect in almost 20 unsolved murders of young Western travellers during this time and by 1976 was Interpol’s most wanted man, with arrest warrants on three different continents.

First look at Olivia Colman in The Crown series three

Olivia Coleman and Tobias Mezies in The Crown (Credit: Netflix/Sophie Mutevelian)

The new series will see Olivia Colman and Tobias Mezies take over the reins from Claire Foy and Matt Smith as The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The upcoming series will cover The Queen’s reign from 1964 up to 1977 and see the beginning of Prince Edward’s life, the marriage of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips and the celebrations of The Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

Book review: The Battle for Sky

Agatha Raisin (Ashley Jensen), DCI Bill Wong (Matt McCooey) and Charles Fraith (Jason Merrells) in Sky One's Agatha Raisin (Credit: Sky)

Is it just me, or does this account of the relentless march of Sky feel less like a window into the “future of entertainment” and more the TV equivalent of ancient history?

There are glorious deeds and all-conquering heroes. Step forward Jeremy Darroch, and the man who appointed him CEO of Sky, James Murdoch. Not forgetting the tragic fate of doomed and misguided rivals: hold your heads in shame, Setanta and a host of others.