Incoming: The best TV shows heading your way in the rest of the year 

Incoming: The best TV shows heading your way in the rest of the year 
Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez star in 'Only Murders In The Building.' (Supplied)
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Updated 22 August 2024
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Incoming: The best TV shows heading your way in the rest of the year 

Incoming: The best TV shows heading your way in the rest of the year 

DUBAI: From new franchise extensions to returning favorites, these are the Fall/Winter shows we’re most looking forward to 

‘Only Murders in the Building’ 

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez 

Where: Disney+ 

When: August 27 

The acclaimed show about an unlikely trio of true-crime podcasters is back for a fourth season, with another group of superstar guests. This time around, Zach Galifianakis, Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria appear as themselves, but they’ve been cast to play Short’s Oliver Putnam, Martin’s Charles-Haden Savage, and Gomez’s Mabel Mora respectively in a Hollywood adaptation of their podcast. While that’s going on, the podcasters are also trying to solve the mystery of who shot Savage’s former stunt double, Sazz Pataki, at the end of season three. 

‘Slow Horses’ 

Starring: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas 

Where: Apple TV+ 

When: Sept. 4 

Season four of the brilliant UK spy thriller based on Mick Herron’s novels about Jackson Lamb — a former secret-service great whose job now involves overseeing the misfits and miscreants of Slough House, where MI5 sends the agents it wants to forget about (and to whom the titular nickname applies) — finds Lamb and his crew embroiled in the aftermath of a car bomb explosion in London, while River Cartwright, the Slow Horse whose grandfather is another legend of the service, is pressured by former CIA agent Frank Harkness to join his cause. 

‘The Penguin’  

Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz 

Where: OSN+ 

When: Sept. 20 

Farrell reprises his role as the second-best-known enemy of Batman in this spinoff series from 2022 movie “The Batman” (starring Robert Pattinson in the title role). Set one week after the events of the film, the series traces the rise of Oswald “Oz” Cobb, aka Penguin, as he steps into the shoes of his late boss, Carmine Falcone, the criminal kingpin of Gotham’s underworld. Fighting Cobb for control, however, is Falcone’s daughter Sofia (aka Hangman) a psychotic serial killer who has just been released from the infamous Arkham Asylum.  

‘Disclaimer’  

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen 

Where: Apple TV+ 

When: Oct. 11 

The Mexican filmmaker and five-time Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron (“Gravity,” “Roma”) helms this mini-series in which two-time Oscar winner Blanchett plays veteran investigative journalist Catherine Ravenscroft, whose life is turned upside-down when she receives a copy of a (supposedly fictional) novel. She quickly realizes that one of the novel’s main characters appears to be based on her, and shares the same dark secret she has long kept hidden from the world. If the Blanchett-Cuaron combo hasn’t already sold you on this, the stellar cast also includes Kline, Baron-Cohen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Lesley Manville. 

‘Dune: Prophecy’  

Starring: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Jodhi May 

Where: OSN+ 

When: November 

This prequel series to Denis Villeneuve’s superb recent film adaptations of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic focuses on the founding of the mystical sisterhood with supernatural powers known as the Bene Gesserit by sisters Sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen and is set 10 millennia before the events of the movies. Showrunner Alison Schapker has an impressive CV including production credits on “Lost,” “Alias,” and “Westworld.” 

‘Silo’  

Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Common 

Where: Apple TV+ 

When: Nov. 15 

One of last year’s best debut shows returns for a second season. Ferguson plays Juliette Nichols, the reluctant sheriff (at least until the first season finale) of the gigantic underground bunker known as the Silo in which 10,000 people have been living for years, bound by rules they believed were intended to protect them. But, as Nichols has discovered, it seems that the people have been lied to. 

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew – Disney+ Dec. 3 

Starring: Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong 

Where: Disney+ 

When: Dec. 3 

Given Disney’s propensity for milking the “Star Wars” franchise for all its worth, it’s a surprise no one has previously done a coming-of-age piece set in the “Star Wars” universe, although considering how poorly child actors have generally fared in it so far (hi Jake Lloyd), maybe not a huge surprise. Either way, “Skeleton Crew” lands in December and follows a group of four kids trying to find their way back to their home planet after getting lost. They meet a Force-user known as Jod Na Nawood (Law), who they assume is a Jedi.    

‘Squid Game’  

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan 

Where: Netflix 

When: Dec. 26 

As the biggest small-screen phenomenon of 2021, Korean drama “Squid Game” changed the media landscape. Its success (both in terms of viewership and profits) pushed other streaming services to look beyond Hollywood at regional content. Now it’s back for a second season. The premise is a simple one: hundreds of people sign up to play a bunch of games in the hope of winning a fortune. The catch? The hundreds who don’t win die.  


Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper

Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper
Updated 15 February 2025
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Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper

Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper

DUBAI: Sources close to British rapper Stormzy have said that the artist did not delete his previous Instagram post in support of Palestine due to last week’s advert with McDonald’s, according to Sky News.

Unnamed sources told the British news outlet that it “is simply not true” that the “archiving” of his Instagram post and the release of the McDonald's campaign are linked.

The initial Instagram post read: “1. Free Palestine. 2. In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will always be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been.”

According to Sky News, the deletion of the post was part of a “mass archiving effort” last year and not linked to his new advert, the sources said.

The 31-year-old grime artist from south London has come under fire for collaborating with McDonald’s, which has repeatedly been accused of supporting Israel since the start of the war in Gaza.

He launched the limited edition “Stormzy Meal” on Wednesday in the UK. In an advert, actors speaking in his voice order the new offering, consisting of nine chicken nuggets, fries, BBQ sauce, a Sprite drink and an Oreo McFlurry dessert.

McDonald’s has faced boycotts worldwide and been subjected to protests after it emerged that its Israel franchises gave thousands of free meals to members of the Israeli military and their relatives after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski previously condemned the boycotts as “disheartening and ill-founded,” saying they had harmed McDonald’s profits across the Middle East and elsewhere.

Franchise owners in Kuwait, Malaysia and Pakistan issued statements distancing themselves from the decision to hand out the free meals.

Fans responded to his McDonald’s collaboration critically, with one posting on social media that Stormzy is a “sellout.”

In an open letter to Stormzy, the UK-based  Peace and Justice Project  said his work with McDonald's is "hugely disappointing, especially given the musician's otherwise proud and solid record in supporting great causes and campaigns for social justice".

"We are therefore asking Stormzy to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their hour of need and respect the BDS committee's call for a global boycott of McDonald's by ending his new partnership with them," the group added. 

Kempczinski posted on LinkedIn in January 2024: “In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner-operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens.”

He added: “Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone.”


Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador
Updated 15 February 2025
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Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

DUBAI: Lebanese Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh is the first Middle Eastern ambassador for French hair care brand Kerastase.

The 23-year-old actress took to Instagram to share the announcement on Friday, just over a week after she was named Italian luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani’s new Middle East beauty ambassador.

“Growing up, hair was always a big part of my identity, and now, representing a brand that celebrates hair in all its beauty feels surreal. Here’s to confidence, strength and great hair,” Tayeh captioned her latest post.

In the clip, she is seen in an all-white studio answering questions about why she is the ideal Kerastase ambassador. Tayeh speaks in a mixture of English, Arabic and French as she jokingly flips her hair for the camera and details her dedication to maintaining healthy hair.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Andria Tayeh (@andria_tayeh)

Known for her roles in Austrian filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub’s “Mond” and Netflix’s hit series “Al-Rawabi School for Girls,” Tayeh also took to Instagram in early February to celebrate her collaboration with Armani, writing: “I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey with Armani beauty.

 “This marks a real milestone for me, as the brand embodies values I have always cherished: timeless elegance, dramatic simplicity, and women empowerment,” she added. “Armani beauty reveals one’s charismatic personality in the most subtle and natural way. It’s this pure simplicity that creates an impact, and this is exactly what I hope to bring to the Arab cinema world.” 

The actress is the latest in a long line of regional stars who have been tapped by international luxury brands for brand ambassadorship roles.

French Algerian model Loli Bahia was tapped to be one of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty’s brand ambassadors in 2023, starring in a debut campaign for the brand alongside Chinese model Tao Ye.

In 2024, Lebanese British actress Razane Jammal was named Dior Beauty’s brand ambassador after being announced as the Middle East’s brand ambassador for Dior in October 2022.

Meanwhile, Spanish jewelry brand PDPAOLA named Saudi influencer Jory Almaiman a brand ambassador in late 2024, and Nancy Ajram became Tiffany & Co.'s first Arab brand ambassador the year before that.

 


Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase
Updated 15 February 2025
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Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

DUBAI: Manish Malhotra is a name synonymous with opulence, craftsmanship and Bollywood glamour. As one of India’s most celebrated designers, Malhotra revolutionized South Asian couture and has dressed some of the biggest stars in the international entertainment industry.

From Bollywood royalty, including crossover star Priyanka Chopra, to Hollywood’s Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston, Malhotra’s clothes have been seen on A-listers globally.

The designer closed out the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week in February. (Supplied)

While his influence has extended outside India for some time now, Malhotra took it one step further by establishing a permanent foothold in the UAE. After opening his first international flagship store in Dubai in December 2023, he closed out the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week in February.

Marking his first-ever international runway presentation, the lineup was everything loyal clients would expect and more. Titled “The World Collection: Dubai,” the clothes were a celebration of traditional Indian craftsmanship reinterpreted with global appeal.

His signature sequins adorned most of the clothes. (Supplied)

“I wanted to explore a more globalized aesthetic while staying true to the essence of Indian couture,” Malhotra told Arab News. “The silhouettes are bold yet effortless, tailored yet free flowing, designed to complement the modern woman’s dynamic lifestyle.”

His signature sequins adorned most of the clothes, and a metallic silver gown and a rainbow-colored gown with a fabric draping the model’s head stood out. Elsewhere, suits dominated the runway – but not the corporate kinds – more couture-esque with fluid cuts making them comfortable to move around in. The suits came with exquisite pearl embellishments, a nod to the region’s pearl diving heritage. Others were sequinned from head to toe, an ode to maximalism. “Suits, for me, have always been a powerful expression of confidence and individuality. With this collection, I wanted to explore tailoring in a way that felt both bold and glamorous while staying true to the essence of craftsmanship,” he explained.

Malhotra’s kaftans and abaya-like silhouettes were elegant and versatile. (Supplied)

Handwoven brocade came in the form of structured, button-down blazers with matching voluminous midi skirts, further spotlighting the craftsmanship Malhotra is known for. “I worked with master craftsmen to create handwoven brocades, intricate pearl embellishments and signature sequins, but the silhouettes were envisioned with an international sensibility.”

Suits dominated the runway – but not the corporate kinds, more couture-esque. (Supplied)

With sahoor and iftar gatherings just around the corner, Malhotra’s kaftans and abaya-like silhouettes were elegant and versatile. “This collection reflects a shift toward a more universal language of fashion – where heritage meets innovation, and tradition finds expression in modern, statement-making forms,” he said.


Pakistani actors Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed share photos from Grand Mosque after nikkah in Makkah

Pakistani actors Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed share photos from Grand Mosque after nikkah in Makkah
Updated 14 February 2025
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Pakistani actors Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed share photos from Grand Mosque after nikkah in Makkah

Pakistani actors Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed share photos from Grand Mosque after nikkah in Makkah
  • Khan and Rasheed remain among the most recognized faces in Pakistan’s entertainment industry
  • One of the images on social media shows them in the attire worn by pilgrims performing Umrah

KARACHI: Pakistani actors Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed announced their wedding on Friday, sharing photos on Instagram taken at the Grand Mosque in Makkah with the Kaaba, the black cubic structure at the center of Islam’s most sacred mosque, in the background.
Khan and Rasheed remain among the most recognized faces in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. With their marriage now public, fans and colleagues have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating their union.
Arab News attempted to contact both actors for further comments but did not receive a response. Most of their friends also refrained from speaking on the matter, though some confirmed that the nikkah, the Islamic marriage contract requiring mutual consent, took place in the Grand Mosque earlier this week on February 12.
“Under the Kursi [throne] of Allah… 70 thousand angels as witnesses and Rehmat [mercy] pouring down on us like rain… Qubool hai,” the two actors said in a joint Instagram post, referencing the belief in divine presence and blessings during their marriage and mentioning their acceptance of the bond in the last two words.
The images with the post showed the couple in the white attire worn by pilgrims performing Umrah, including a close-up of their hands placed on the Kaaba with wedding rings and another of them smiling at each other against the sacred black cube.

This photo, jointly posted by the couple on their respective official Instagram accounts on February 14, 2025, shows a close-up of their hands placed on the Kaaba with wedding rings, announcing their marriage on February 12, at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/@thekubism/@mirzagoharrasheed)

The Grand Mosque is considered the most sacred site in Islam, where millions of Muslims gather to perform Hajj and Umrah each year.
Kubra Khan, born Rabia Iqbal Khan, is a British-Pakistani actor known for her roles in popular television dramas such as “Sang-e-Mar Mar,” “Alif” and “Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay,” as well as films like “Na Maloom Afraad” and “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2.”
Gohar Rasheed has built a reputation with performances in “Mann Mayal,” “Ishqiya” and “The Legend of Maula Jatt.” The two actors have been close friends for years and co-starred in the drama “Jannat Se Aagay,” fueling long-standing speculation about their relationship.


British rapper Stormzy criticized for McDonald’s collaboration

British rapper Stormzy criticized for McDonald’s collaboration
Updated 14 February 2025
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British rapper Stormzy criticized for McDonald’s collaboration

British rapper Stormzy criticized for McDonald’s collaboration
  • Chain has faced global boycotts over perceived support for Israeli military with free meals
  • Stormzy launched new meal in UK after deleting pro-Palestine social media post

LONDON: British rapper Stormzy has come under fire for collaborating with McDonald’s, which has repeatedly been accused of supporting Israel since the start of the war in Gaza.

He launched the limited edition “Stormzy Meal” on Wednesday in the UK. In an advert, actors speaking in his voice order the new offering, consisting of nine chicken nuggets, fries, BBQ sauce, a Sprite drink and an Oreo McFlurry dessert.

McDonald’s has faced boycotts worldwide and been subjected to protests after it emerged that its Israel franchises gave thousands of free meals to members of the Israeli military and their relatives after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

At the time, CEO Chris Kempczinski condemned the boycotts as “disheartening and ill-founded,” saying they had harmed McDonald’s profits across the Middle East and elsewhere.

Franchise owners in Kuwait, Malaysia and Pakistan issued statements distancing themselves from the decision to hand out the free meals.

Stormzy previously published then deleted an Instagram post in support of the Palestinian cause.

He initially posted: “1. Free Palestine. 2. In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will always be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been.”

Fans responded to his McDonald’s collaboration critically, with one posting on social media that Stormzy is a “sellout,” and another asking: “Why delete your pro-Palestine posts?!”

McDonald’s said in 2023 that it was not responsible for the actions or promotions of individual franchises worldwide.

Kempczinski posted on LinkedIn in January 2024: “In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner-operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens.”

He added: “Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone.”