Category Archives: television

High-Profile Peacock Show Officially Scrapped

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A high-profile Peacock show is no longer happening. After it was announced in 2025 that the *Upgrade* sequel series was canceled, producer Tim Walsh further confirmed the news.

Back in 2020, Deadline reported that Leigh Whannell’s 2018 sci-fi thriller *Upgrade* would be getting a TV follow-up. The original film follows a technophobe who, after a mugging leaves him paralyzed, is implanted with a chip that allows him to control his body. The planned series was set to pick up a few years after the events of the film, broadening the universe with an evolved version of STEM and a new host, imagining a world in which the government repurposes STEM to help curb criminal activity.

Blumhouse Television and UCP were set to collaborate on the project, with Whannell attached to direct. However, in early 2025, Whannell alluded to the show’s cancellation during an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. He explained, “As far as making a sequel to *Upgrade*, it’s another one where he thinks they’re good and it doesn’t need another. I would love to let that film keep bubbling away as this cult movie, and if people keep thinking that it was somehow prophetic, then that would be great.”

More recently, in an interview with *Bloody Disgusting*, producer Tim Walsh shed additional light on the cancellation. “Leigh and I sold that to Peacock back in 2019,” he recalled. “I think I started my writer’s room for *Upgrade* on the day the world shut down from the pandemic. We had the writer’s room. We wrote the scripts. But, as often happens in this business, somebody up top at Peacock got fired, and a new person came in, thought they knew everything, and dropped that project. It never got picked up later because it was a tumultuous time in the world.”

Considering Whannell has expressed no interest in pursuing an *Upgrade* sequel, it can be assumed that he and Walsh won’t be trying to revive the series. Whether the series would have moved forward if not for the pandemic remains unknown, but COVID-19 certainly disrupted many productions. It seems the pandemic was the final nail in the coffin for the *Upgrade* sequel series.
https://popculture.com/streaming/news/high-profile-peacock-show-officially-scrapped/

‘American Idol’ Sings With Best Debut In Four Years

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American Idol’s Move to Monday Night Pays Off with Biggest Season Debut in Four Years

American Idol’s shift to a new night appears to have paid off handsomely. The ABC talent contest scored its biggest season debut in four years, drawing 5.9 million total viewers and earning a 0.54 share among adults aged 18-49, according to Nielsen’s live+same day ratings. This marks a significant increase from last year’s 4.49 million viewers and 0.45 share.

This premiere was the show’s strongest since Season 20 in 2022. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, American Idol previously aired on Sunday nights but moved to Mondays for this season.

During the ratings reveal, ABC took a subtle jab at NBC’s The Voice. The Disney-owned network highlighted that Idol outperformed The Voice’s premiere in its nine-season run on ABC and “surged past” The Voice’s fall average. However, ABC’s comparison was made against The Voice’s seasonal average rather than its premiere numbers.

Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick spoke to Deadline earlier this month about the scheduling strategy, saying, “The beginning of the year is awards season and a lot of these award shows are on Sunday nights. You’re up against the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Let’s see what happens on Monday.”

Clearly, ABC is enjoying a ratings boost for its flagship linear entertainment shows such as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Highlighting its growing engagement, Idol received more than double the votes during its finale last season compared to previous years.

This season, American Idol is also experimenting with live social media voting for the first time, becoming the first entertainment show to implement this feature.

Last night’s premiere featured notable performances including Jesse Findling, who has a stutter and sang Benson Boone’s “In The Stars,” and Khloe Grace, who performed “Forever 13” — a song written about Aubreigh Wyatt, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died by suicide in 2023. Carrie Underwood was visibly moved to tears by Grace’s performance, underscoring the emotional impact of the moment.

With these developments, American Idol continues to secure its position as a top-rated and culturally relevant talent competition on network television.
https://deadline.com/2026/01/american-idol-ratings-best-debut-4-years-1236699359/

Keri Russell Tells ‘WWHL’ She Regrets Stripping Down For A Bon Jovi Music Video: “Did I Need To Take Off My Shirt And Have A Green Bra?”

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Keri Russell Reveals the Role She Regrets the Most

On Wednesday night’s (Oct. 22) episode of *Watch What Happens Live*, host Andy Cohen asked *Felicity* alum Keri Russell if there were any projects she wished she could “scrap” from her IMDb page forever.

“Well, I’m sure there’s a million,” she answered.

It wasn’t until later in the episode that she specifically remembered which role she would get rid of. When asked about her experience starring in Bon Jovi’s “Always” music video, Russell recalled, “I was in a green bra. When he said, ‘Do you regret something?’ I was like, ‘Did I need to take off my shirt and have a green bra in a Bon Jovi video?’”

Cohen, however, argued, “I think it’s kind of iconic.”

Meanwhile, Russell’s *Diplomat* co-star Allison Janney—who was seated by her side in the Bravo Clubhouse—confessed that she had never seen the 1994 music video, which also starred actress Carla Gugino.

“I don’t know how you haven’t seen it. It was everywhere,” Russell joked.

“I’m just kidding. No one saw it.”

As for what else she remembered about her experience on set, Russell added, “I did not meet Bon Jovi. You know, back when MTV would make films for the videos? It was one of those.”

Keri Russell Isn’t the Only Celebrity in a Bon Jovi Video

Russell isn’t the only celebrity to have starred in a Bon Jovi music video. *Vanderpump Rules* star Tom Sandoval played a man involved in an affair in the band’s 2002 music videos for “Misunderstood” and “All About Lovin’ You.”

“That was one of the coolest experiences of my life,” Sandoval told *Decider* in an August interview.

“Just to be pretty recent out of high school, I remember going to that audition and having to leave and come back and leave and come back again. It was a long, long wait to get in there, and it was such a big production.”

He continued, “It was a very action-packed video. It was amazing to shoot, and I will always remember that experience very fondly for the rest of my life.

“It was just such a cool thing to be in a big music video that’s showing on VH1 on TRL. It was pretty cool.”
https://decider.com/2025/10/23/wwhl-keri-russell-regrets-stripping-bra-bon-jovi-music-video/

Jason Segel, Harrison Ford’s ‘Shrinking’ returns Jan. 28

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Oct. 21 (UPI) — Apple TV’s Shrinking, an Emmy Award-nominated comedy series starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, is set to return for Season 3 on January 28.

The streaming service announced Tuesday that the new season will kick off with a one-hour premiere, followed by new episodes airing every Wednesday through April 8.

Shrinking follows a grieving therapist, played by Segel, who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives — including his own.

https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2025/10/21/shrinking-apple-tv-season-3-photo-premiere/7061761056882/

Disney+ and Hulu cancellations rose after ABC briefly pulled ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

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**Subscription Cancellations on Disney+ and Hulu Spike Following ABC’s Brief Cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”**

New York — Subscription cancellations for Disney+ and Hulu increased during the month that ABC temporarily pulled the show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air, according to data from subscription analytics company Antenna.

Walt Disney Co., which owns both streaming platforms and the ABC network, made the decision to briefly cancel the show for less than a week in September. This move came in response to criticism over host Jimmy Kimmel’s comments related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Antenna estimates that total cancellations in September reached approximately 4.1 million for Hulu and 3 million for Disney+. The “churn rate” — the percentage of customers who cancel their subscriptions in a given month — notably increased from 5% in August to 10% in September for Hulu. For Disney+, this rate jumped from 4% in August to 8% in September.

Despite the rise in cancellations, new signups in September were higher for both Hulu and Disney+ compared to the previous five months.

It is important to note that Antenna’s data excludes subscribers who are part of bundle deals. In Disney’s most recent earnings report for the quarter ended June 28, the company reported a combined total of 183 million Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions.

Disney has declined to comment on the recent cancellation data.

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*About Antenna:* Antenna is a subscription analytics company specializing in tracking U.S. consumer data across various digital services.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/20/disney-hulu-cancellations-jimmy-kimmel/

Nobody Wants This season 1 recap: All to know before season 2 arrives

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**Nobody Wants This Season 1 Recap and What to Expect in Season 2**

*Nobody Wants This* season 1 premiered on Netflix in September 2024, introducing viewers to a romantic comedy centered around Joanne, an agnostic sex podcaster, and Noah, a rabbi. The series follows their journey as they navigate the challenges of starting an unlikely relationship amidst cultural, family, and personal obstacles.

### The Premise and Key Conflicts

The season begins with Joanne and Noah meeting at a dinner party, where their instant chemistry is complicated by their vastly different backgrounds. Despite initial doubts, the two embark on a relationship that faces scrutiny from many sides, especially from Noah’s family.

Noah’s mother disapproves of Joanne, primarily because she is not Jewish. Compounding this is Joanne’s career as a sex podcaster, where she openly discusses sex and relationships to a growing fanbase — something that further alienates Noah’s family. Additionally, Noah’s ambition to become the Head Rabbi is jeopardized by their relationship. His path to this position depends on him marrying or dating within their faith, and Joanne’s non-Jewish background only makes things more difficult.

### Relationship Challenges and Season 1 Ending

As the pressure mounts, Joanne decides to end the relationship, feeling she is compromising too much despite her affection for Noah. This decision brings relief to some in Noah’s circle, but by the finale, Noah experiences an epiphany and chooses Joanne over his career ambitions.

The season concludes with Noah and Joanne reunited, but many issues remain unresolved. Joanne continues to worry about the sacrifices she has made, and Noah’s family, especially his mother, remains doubtful about their relationship. This leaves the couple’s future uncertain and sets the stage for a challenging path ahead in season 2.

### Friendship at Risk: Sasha and Morgan

Another significant subplot in Season 1 is the budding friendship between Morgan, Joanne’s sister and podcast co-host, and Sasha, Noah’s awkward but kind brother. Despite their chemistry and growing closeness, their friendship nearly ends before it even truly begins.

This tension escalates when Esther, Sasha’s wife, finds extensive text conversations between Morgan and Sasha on his phone. Feeling uneasy, Esther informs Noah and Sasha’s mother, Bina, urging that the two sisters should be kept out of their lives. Matters worsen when Morgan ignores Esther’s warning about Noah — a concern originally sown by Rebecca, Noah’s ex.

Hints at deeper issues between the sisters also emerge, leaving viewers curious about potential developments in Season 2. While the friendship’s future appeared bleak by the end of Season 1, the Season 2 trailer indicates that Sasha and Esther have worked on repairing their relationship. Meanwhile, Morgan remains supportive of Joanne as she continues to struggle with her relationship.

### Looking Ahead: Nobody Wants This Season 2

With many questions left unanswered, *Nobody Wants This* Season 2 promises to explore the complexities of Joanne and Noah’s relationship further, as well as the evolving family dynamics and friendships around them.

Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on October 23, 2025. Fans of the show can look forward to seeing how these tangled relationships develop and whether love and personal ambition can truly coexist.

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Stay tuned for more updates on *Nobody Wants This* and other Netflix originals!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/nobody-wants-this-season-1-recap-all-know-season-2-arrives

Pankaj Dheer Death: Mahabharat actor’s wife Anita Dheer is a popular…, her work has been featured in movies like…

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**B. R. Chopra’s Mahabharat and Pankaj Dheer’s Enduring Legacy**

B. R. Chopra’s *Mahabharat* has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of an entire generation. Among the cast, Pankaj Dheer, who portrayed the iconic character Karna, received widespread acclaim for his powerful performance.

Reportedly, Pankaj had initially wished to play the role of Arjun in the series. However, destiny had other plans, and he became forever recognized as Karna. His portrayal was so convincing that even textbooks feature his photo alongside the character’s name, highlighting the impact he made.

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**In Memoriam: Pankaj Dheer Passes Away at 68**

In unfortunate news, the entertainment industry and fans alike were plunged into sorrow as Pankaj Dheer passed away at the age of 68. Reports confirm that the actor had been battling cancer for an extended period, and on October 15, 2025, it was reported that he succumbed to the illness.

Though his family has remained private and refrained from making official statements, his co-star Firoz Khan confirmed the tragic news. Pankaj Dheer’s death has left a profound sense of grief among his fans, friends, family, and colleagues.

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**A Glimpse Into Pankaj Dheer’s Career**

Born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1956, Pankaj was the son of C. L. Dheer, a renowned director in Hindi cinema. Growing up in a household connected to the film industry intensified his interest in the glamour world.

Initially, Pankaj aspired to work behind the scenes, but destiny had other plans. He made his acting debut in 1983 with the film *Sookha*. His breakthrough came soon after when he portrayed Karna in B. R. Chopra’s *Mahabharat*, establishing himself as a household name by the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Following this, Pankaj appeared in popular television shows such as *Yug*, *The Great Maratha*, *Sasural Simar Ka*, and *Badho Bahu*. He also took on supporting roles in Bollywood films like *Sadak*, *Baadshah*, and *Soldier*.

In 2014, Pankaj ventured into directing with the project *My Father Godfather*, which featured his son.

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**Pankaj Dheer’s Personal Life: His Wife Anita Dheer**

Beyond his professional achievements, Pankaj was a devoted husband to Anita Dheer. The couple married in 1976 and remained together until his passing.

Anita is a respected costume designer in Bollywood, recognized for her work in films such as *Victoria No. 203: Diamonds Are Forever*, *Ikke Pe Ikka*, and *Boxer*. Together, they had two children.

Though Pankaj was not very active on social media, his last post in June 2024 featured a heartfelt image with Anita.

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**Pankaj and Anita’s Children: Nikitin and Nikita Dheer**

Pankaj and Anita’s son, Nikitin Dheer, has carved out his own successful career in acting. He has appeared in notable films like *Chennai Express*, *Jodhaa Akbar*, and *Shershaah*. Nikitin is married to actress Kratika Sengar, who gained acclaim for her role in *Rani Lakshmibai* in the TV series *Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani Jhansi Ki Rani*.

Their daughter, Nikita Dheer, also forms part of the family’s proud legacy.

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Pankaj Dheer’s contribution to Indian television and cinema, especially his iconic role as Karna, will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike. His journey from aspiring behind-the-scenes artist to a beloved actor is a testament to his talent and dedication. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by generations.
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/viral-stories/pankaj-dheer-death-mahabharat-actors-wife-anita-dheer-is-a-popular-her-work-has-been-featured-in-movies-like-3266423/

Our Fault OTT release: When and Where to watch Gabriel Guevara-Nicole Wallace’s romance flick in India?

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**Our Fault OTT Release: The Final Installment of the Culpables Saga Premieres Today**

The much-anticipated third installment of the Spanish romance drama series, **Culpa Nuestra**, is set to release very soon. Known as **Our Fault** in its English version, this film marks the final chapter of the popular **Culpables** saga. Starring **Gabriel Guevara** and **Nicole Wallace**, the trilogy is based on Mercedes Ron’s bestselling book series of the same name.

Fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting the finale since last year, and now the wait is finally over. **Culpa Nuestra** will premiere today, on **16 October 2023**, exclusively on **Amazon Prime Video**.

### Our Fault’s Cast

Nicole Wallace and Gabriel Guevara return as the main leads, reprising their roles as **Noah Morán** and **Nicholas ‘Nick’ Leister**, respectively. Alongside them, several beloved characters make a comeback, including **Marta Hazas**, **Iván Sánchez**, **Víctor Varona**, and **Eva Ruiz**.

This third chapter also introduces fresh faces to the saga. New cast members such as **Goya Toledo**, **Gabriela Andrada**, **Álex Béjar**, **Javier Morgade**, **Felipe Londoño**, and **Fran Morcillo** join the original ensemble, promising to bring new dynamics to the story.

### Plot and Storyline of Our Fault

The **Culpables** saga centers around the heartfelt and intense relationship between two young individuals struggling to move on from their traumatic pasts. In this final installment, Nick emerges as a powerful business heir wrestling with his lingering anger issues, while Noah focuses on personal growth and furthering her career.

**Culpa Nuestra** picks up the narrative from where **Culpa Tuya (Your Fault)** left off. Fans can expect familiar characters like **Brier** to stir up trouble once again. Adding to the intrigue is a new character named **Simon**, who is expected to add an extra layer of complexity to the plot.

While the on-screen ending may differ, readers of the novel know that the story concludes with a wedding. In the book, Noah reveals she is pregnant, a revelation that reunites her with Nick. Nick’s acceptance of fatherhood becomes a pivotal factor in their reconciliation.

As the film unfolds, audiences eagerly await to see how this beloved story will be adapted on screen and whether it will stay true to its literary roots.

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Be sure to catch **Our Fault** on Amazon Prime Video starting **16 October 2023** and witness the emotional conclusion of the **Culpables** saga.
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/viral-stories/our-fault-ott-release-twhen-and-where-to-catch-the-gabriel-guevara-and-nicole-wallace-starrer-spanish-romance-drama-in-india-3266374/

4 big ways ‘The X-Files’ distorts government operations

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**4 Big Ways ‘The X-Files’ Distorts Government Operations**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 07, 2025, 10:54 AM*

*What’s the story?*
*The X-Files* is a cult classic, famous for its take on government conspiracies and the paranormal. While the series makes for an entertaining watch, it often takes creative liberties with how real-world government operations work. Here are some of the most notable ways the show misrepresents government conspiracies—and how those portrayals differ from reality.

**1. Overemphasis on Secrecy**
*The X-Files* frequently depicts government operations as being shrouded in extreme secrecy, with very little oversight. While it’s true that some operations are classified, in reality, there are numerous checks and balances designed to ensure accountability. Government actions are typically subject to scrutiny by various oversight bodies—something the show seldom reflects.

**2. Simplified Narratives**
The series tends to reduce complex issues into simple, clear-cut narratives of good versus evil. However, real-world government decisions and actions are influenced by a multitude of factors and involve many stakeholders. This oversimplification can lead viewers to misunderstand the complexities involved in governance and policy-making.

**3. Dramatic Portrayals of Technology**
Technology in *The X-Files* is often portrayed as far more advanced than it actually is or available to the public. While this adds to the suspense and intrigue of the show, it does not accurately represent the current state of technological development or its realistic limitations within government operations.

**4. Focus on Individual Agents**
The series spotlights individual agents who seem to have significant control over major government decisions. In reality, most government actions result from teamwork and collaboration across various departments and officials. This focus on individuals can give the false impression that one person wields more power than is typical within the larger system.

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While *The X-Files* remains a beloved show for its storytelling and mysterious themes, it’s important to recognize these creative liberties to better understand how government operations actually function.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-the-x-files-misrepresents-government-conspiracies/story

4 big ways ‘The X-Files’ distorts government operations

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**4 Big Ways ‘The X-Files’ Distorts Government Operations**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 07, 2025, 10:54 AM*

*What’s the story?*
_The X-Files_ is a cult classic renowned for its intriguing take on government conspiracies and the paranormal. While the series offers great entertainment, it often takes creative liberties in portraying how real-world government operations actually work. Here are four notable ways the show misrepresents government activities and how these differ from reality.

### 1. Overemphasis on Secrecy
_The X-Files_ frequently depicts government operations as being enveloped in extreme secrecy with little to no oversight. In reality, although some operations are classified, there are numerous checks and balances designed to ensure accountability. Government actions are typically subject to scrutiny by various oversight bodies — a safeguard that the show largely overlooks or underrepresents.

### 2. Simplified Narratives
The series tends to present complex issues as straightforward battles between good and evil. However, government decisions and actions in the real world are rarely so black-and-white. They are influenced by a multitude of factors and involve many stakeholders, making policymaking and governance far more nuanced. This simplification can mislead viewers about the intricacies involved in governmental processes.

### 3. Dramatic Portrayals of Technology
In _The X-Files_, technology is often depicted as far more advanced—or accessible—than it truly is. While such portrayals heighten suspense and intrigue, they do not accurately reflect the current state of technological development or its real-world limitations within government operations.

### 4. Focus on Individual Agents
The show spotlights individual agents who appear to wield significant control over major government decisions. In contrast, actual government actions typically emerge from collaboration and teamwork among numerous departments and officials. This individual-centric focus can give viewers an exaggerated impression of a single person’s power within the complex government system.

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While _The X-Files_ remains an iconic and entertaining journey into the mysterious, it’s important to remember that its portrayal of government operations is shaped by storytelling rather than strict realism. Understanding these distinctions helps viewers appreciate the show’s creativity without conflating fiction with fact.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-the-x-files-misrepresents-government-conspiracies/story