United News of Bangladesh

February 2026 brings a mix of returning favourites and new releases in TV entertainment, from comedies and thrillers to historical dramas and biographical series. Among the highlights is the revival of the popular hospital sitcom Scrubs, with Zach Braff returning as JD and Donald Faison as Turk. The series picks up 16 years after the original finale, blending nostalgia with new storylines. It premieres February 25 on ABC and February 26 on Hulu in the US. Thrillers like Vanished, starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin, follow a couple whose romantic trip turns dangerous after one mysteriously disappears. The series premieres February 1 on MGM+ in the US and February 27 on Prime Video in the UK. Another suspense-filled release, 56 Days, based on Catherine Ryan Howard’s novel, explores an erotic relationship entwined with murder and suspense, premiering February 18 on Prime Video globally. Fans of dark crime dramas can follow Dark Winds season four, set among the Navajo Tribal Police, which continues to combine 1970s Americana, Native traditions, and suspenseful investigation. It premieres February 15 on AMC and AMC+ in the US. Other notable series include the comic thriller How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (February 12, Netflix), the political thriller Paradise starring Sterling K. Brown (February 23, Hulu), and the historical drama The Gray House, set during the US Civil War (February 26, Prime Video). Biographical miniseries Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette premieres February 12 on FX and Hulu in the US, with Disney+ release in the UK on February 13. Comedy fans can enjoy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, which combines mockumentary style with odd-couple humour. It premieres February 23 on NBC and February 24 on Peacock in the US. This February’s slate of TV shows offers something for every audience, from nostalgic revivals to high-stakes thrillers and historical storytelling, marking a diverse month in entertainment.   With inputs from BBC

Prime Video has released the first trailer of its upcoming series Young Sherlock, offering a fresh and action-packed look at the early life of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. The series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the lead role, portraying a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes during his student days at Oxford in the 1870s. Unlike the calm and methodical detective audiences know, this younger version is shown as impulsive, rebellious and sharp-minded. The trailer suggests that Sherlock’s first major case begins after he crosses paths with James Moriarty, a meeting that sparks a rivalry shaping his future. According to the official synopsis, Sherlock is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens his freedom and leads him into a globe-spanning conspiracy. The story builds toward a dramatic confrontation that changes his life forever. Set in Victorian England and across international locations, the series explores the early adventures of the anarchic teenager before he becomes the famed resident of Baker Street. The eight-episode series is directed and executive produced by Guy Ritchie, who also directs the first two episodes. It is described as a fast-paced mystery tracing the origin story of the world’s most famous detective. Young Sherlock will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on March 4, 2026, in more than 240 countries and territories. The ensemble cast includes Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons and Colin Firth. The series is created for television by showrunner Matthew Parkhill, with multiple executive producers attached.   With inputs from NDTV

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