Category Archives: television

drama, entertainment, media, pakistan, television

So, you think you know: GEO Drama Edition

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**1. What Made Bashar Momin Stand Out Among GEO’s Dramas?**

Bashar Momin became one of GEO’s most talked-about dramas, in large part due to Faysal Quraishi’s intense performance. The correct answer to what made the series stand out at the time is:

**b) It was Pakistan’s most expensive drama at the time of release, known for lavish sets and costumes.**

When Bashar Momin aired in 2014, it was the most expensive Pakistani drama produced to date. The elaborate sets and luxurious costumes elevated the production values beyond anything previously seen on local television. Its darker storyline also distinguished it from the family sagas that typically dominated the screens.

Faysal Quraishi played Bashar, a wealthy and corrupt businessman obsessed with power. Ushna Shah’s portrayal of Rudaba brought a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the screen. Despite controversy over its themes of toxic love and manipulation, Bashar Momin became a benchmark for luxury productions.

The series demonstrated that Pakistani dramas could push creative boundaries, inspiring other producers to innovate—especially in the growing era of OTT platforms.

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**2. The Central Theme of the Critically Acclaimed Drama Alif**

Alif paired powerhouse stars Sajal Aly and Hamza Ali Abbasi in a story that went beyond typical drama narratives. The central theme of the show is:

**d) A parallel narrative of an artist’s spiritual journey and a struggling actress’s sacrifices.**

The drama explored spirituality intertwined with the struggles of art and fame. Hamza Ali Abbasi’s character, Qalb-e-Momin, is a filmmaker caught between worldly success and seeking a higher purpose. Sajal Aly’s Momina Sultan is a woman enduring hardships, guided by faith and resilience.

Written by Umera Ahmed, Alif combined philosophical questions about identity, legacy, and the intricate bond between creator and creation. This thought-provoking narrative resonated deeply with audiences and led to a cult following beyond its strong TV ratings.

The drama’s emotive soundtrack, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances added layers of emotional weight, making Alif more than just entertainment—it challenged viewers to reflect on faith, destiny, and artistic responsibility.

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**3. Sirf Tum: What Aspect of Production Received Praise?**

Sirf Tum quickly became a fan favourite for its modern and relatable love story. The most praised aspect of its production was:

**a) The strong chemistry between Hamza Sohail and Anmol Baloch as the leads.**

Viewers were drawn to the authentic and natural on-screen chemistry between the lead actors. The drama explored themes such as family honour, independence, and love against the odds—striking a chord with a younger demographic who saw their own challenges reflected in the story.

Directional choices emphasized the emotional highs and lows, while the soundtrack gained popularity on social media. Critics applauded the blend of traditional storytelling with modern themes that respected cultural values.

The supporting cast added balance and depth, further enriching the narrative. On YouTube, Sirf Tum trended in both Pakistan and India, garnering millions of views on romantic sequences and OST clips.

While lacking the large-scale production of some earlier GEO dramas, Sirf Tum proved that a well-acted, well-directed love story could thrive in the digital streaming era.

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**4. The Milestone Achieved by Tere Bin**

Tere Bin, starring Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi, became a cultural phenomenon. Its major milestone was:

**c) It became one of the most-watched Pakistani dramas on YouTube, crossing hundreds of millions of views within months.**

The drama’s themes of love, conflict, and redemption attracted both the South Asian diaspora and non-Urdu-speaking audiences through subtitles. The pairing of Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi received widespread praise from fans and critics alike.

Weekly dialogues and romantic confrontations from the drama trended consistently on social media platforms, demonstrating its broad reach beyond traditional TV screens.

Tere Bin also revitalized interest in live television viewing despite the growing popularity of on-demand streaming. GEO TV reached new digital heights with its success, highlighting how compelling storytelling and star power could capture both domestic and international audiences.

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**5. What Made Khuda Aur Muhabbat’s Anthology Format Unique?**

Since its debut in 2011, Khuda Aur Muhabbat has spanned three successful seasons. Its unique feature is:

**d) Each season retells the same love story but with new actors and settings.**

The first season starred Imran Abbas and Sadia Khan, followed by Kubra Khan joining in the second season. The third season featured Feroze Khan and Iqra Aziz, breaking records and becoming one of GEO’s highest-rated dramas and cultural sensations.

This anthology format allowed the series to refresh itself continuously while focusing on themes of spiritual longing and human vulnerability.

Audiences appreciated the high production design, memorable soundtrack, and the seamless blend of romance with spiritual undertones, which became the hallmark of the Khuda Aur Muhabbat franchise.

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This selection of GEO dramas demonstrates the diversity and evolution of Pakistani television, highlighting standout performances, innovative storytelling, and production achievements that have defined contemporary Pakistani entertainment.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1348547-so-you-think-you-know-geo-drama-edition

entertainment, media, politics, television

Jimmy Kimmel reveals how he found out he was suspended

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**Jimmy Kimmel Reveals How He Found Out About His Show’s Suspension**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Oct 02, 2025, 11:26 AM*

Jimmy Kimmel recently opened up about how he discovered the temporary suspension of his late-night show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. The comedian shared the story during an appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, describing the entire ordeal as an “emotional rollercoaster.”

### The Unexpected Call

Kimmel explained that the suspension notice came unexpectedly. “It was around 3:00. We tape our show at 4:30,” he recalled. Just before taping, he received an unusual phone call from ABC executives who wanted to discuss something important.

Taking the call in the bathroom for privacy, Kimmel learned that ABC was considering suspending his show temporarily due to concerns about his recent controversial comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. “As far as I knew, they didn’t even know I was doing a show before this,” he joked.

### The Conversation and the Vote

Kimmel recounted his exchange with the network executives. They expressed their wish to “take the temperature down” amid the backlash and worry about what he might say on the next episode.

“I said, ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’ And they said, ‘Well, we think it’s a good idea.’ Then there was a vote—and I lost the vote,” Kimmel shared openly.

Following the decision, he informed his executive producers about the show’s suspension.

### Family Reactions

Kimmel also described his family’s response to the news. His wife, Molly McNearney—who is also an executive producer on the show—remarked that he looked “whiter than Jim Gaffigan.” Kimmel recalled telling Colbert, “I thought that’s it. It’s over. I’m never coming back on the air.”

His children had their own unique reactions as well. His daughter offered to sell her Labubu dolls to help, while his son ran around the house naked, bringing some unexpected humor to the tense situation.

### The Show’s Comeback

Five days after the suspension was announced, Disney declared that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* would return to ABC. The media giant explained the suspension was intended “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” calling some of Kimmel’s comments “ill-timed and thus insensitive.”

Upon his return to the air, Kimmel did not hold back. He took repeated jabs at President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, immediately resuming his sharp and unapologetic comedic style.

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Jimmy Kimmel’s experience highlights the challenges late-night hosts face when balancing humor with sensitive topics, especially in today’s charged political climate.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/jimmy-kimmel-recalls-show-suspension-experience/story

culture, entertainment, places, television

‘Stranger Things’: The truth behind Hawkins’s iconic locations

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By Vinita Jain | Oct 02, 2025 | 10:27 am

**What’s the Story Behind Stranger Things’ Iconic Locations?**

*Stranger Things* has become a household name, thanks to its gripping storyline and nostalgia-inducing setting. The fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, is a character in itself, and its locations have inspired many. From eerie forests to retro diners, the places in Hawkins have become iconic.

This article takes a look at the real-life inspirations behind these locations, giving fans a glimpse into the world that shaped *Stranger Things*.

### 1. The Eerie Woods of Hawkins

The mysterious woods of Hawkins are a major part of the series, providing the perfect backdrop for strange and unsettling happenings. These woods are inspired by real-life forests in Indiana, where dense trees and morning fog create an eerie atmosphere.

One notable example is the Hoosier National Forest. With its sprawling trails and thick foliage, it can easily make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world — much like the haunting woods featured in the show.

### 2. Retro Diners and Hangouts

The retro diners in Hawkins are a nostalgic nod to classic American hangouts from the 1980s. These spots serve as social hubs for the characters, where they bond over milkshakes, fries, and classic jukebox tunes.

The design of these diners draws inspiration from real-life establishments of that era, with their glowing neon signs, vintage decor, and cozy atmospheres that transport you back in time.

### 3. Hawkins Middle School Inspiration

Hawkins Middle School sits at the heart of many pivotal moments throughout *Stranger Things*. Its architectural style takes cues from real-life schools built in the mid-20th century.

Characterized by red brick exteriors and spacious hallways, this design reflects many American public schools of the period, lending authenticity to the show’s small-town setting.

### 4. The Iconic Hawkins Lab

The infamous Hawkins Lab is central to much of the series’ mystery and suspense. It is inspired by real-life research facilities that have long been subjects of conspiracy theories.

While the exact inspiration remains a mystery, many speculate that the lab’s design is influenced by various government research centers — known for their sterile environments, high-security measures, and secretive operations.

### 5. Charming Small-Town Vibes

What makes Hawkins particularly relatable is its quintessential small-town vibe. It’s portrayed as a close-knit community where everyone knows each other (or at least pretends to).

The town buzzes with festivals, parades, and communal events that bring the locals together, echoing the spirit of many real-life Midwestern towns famous for their strong sense of community.

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*Stranger Things* masterfully blends fiction with elements inspired by real locations and cultural memories, creating a vivid world that resonates with fans around the globe. Whether it’s the eerie woods or the buzzing social scenes, Hawkins holds a special place in the hearts of viewers — grounded in reality yet filled with supernatural wonder.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/stranger-things-locations-real-life-places-that-inspired-hawkins/story

culture, entertainment, media, television

’13th’ review: SonyLIV series suffers from bland execution

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**By Isha Sharma | Oct 01, 2025, 12:02 am**

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**What’s the Story?**

*13th*, out on SonyLIV, is produced by Abhishek Dhandharia, who also serves as the showrunner. Created and written by Sameer Mishra and directed by Nishil Sheth, the show instantly reminds you of The Viral Fever (TVF) projects due to its rawness and theme. Alas, the similarities end there. Despite an interesting premise, this series—drawing inspiration from the life of Competishun founder Mohit Tyagi—never quite soars.

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**Plot: A Student Helps His Teacher Realize His Dream**

The story follows Ritesh (Paresh Pahuja), a rising venture capitalist who gives up his high-paying job to help his mentor, MT Sir (Gagan Dev Riar). MT Sir taught Ritesh during his “13th year”—the drop year after the 12th grade—when he was preparing for the IIT entrance exam.

Now, years later, Ritesh decides to assist him in building a visionary ed-tech startup. Will this guru-shishya duo succeed?

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### 1. The Protagonist Is Always at a Distance

*13th* fails to hit the right spot due to its extremely heavy-handed storytelling. From the very first frame, the show positions Ritesh as an aggressive, hot-headed man who marches to his own beat. Early on, he delivers a fiery speech about his dissatisfaction with his job, setting in motion the chain of events that lead him back to MT Sir.

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### 2. Too Filmy, Too Theatrical

While the show is conversation-heavy and features some sharp dialogues, most characters deliver full-fledged sermons! The exchanges between MT Sir and Ritesh quickly become tiresome, as they come across like filmy, cardboard characters rather than genuine, relatable people.

Interestingly enough, during flashbacks of Ritesh’s JEE preparation, we see MT Sir going to great lengths to mentor him—but what about the other students?

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### 3. Supporting Characters Remain Underdeveloped

The show is so obsessed with the two leads that it largely forgets to develop the supporting characters. The most successful shows, like *Panchayat* and *The Family Man*, give well-rounded arcs to all characters to make the narrative more believable. Sadly, *13th* doesn’t bother to do the same.

Girija Oak, who plays MT Sir’s wife, gets some nice scenes, but that’s hardly enough to enrich the story.

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### 4. Pahuja and Dev Riar Try to Keep the Series Afloat

The watchable moments in *13th* largely come from Paresh Pahuja and Gagan Dev Riar’s camaraderie and craft. The show pays tribute to the teacher-student relationship, especially as Ritesh’s life comes full circle when he helps MT Sir with his business.

“I owe my life to him,” Ritesh says, and in return, he becomes his mentor’s teacher.

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**Verdict: Can Skip This SonyLIV Original**

*13th*’s biggest undoing is that it takes itself too seriously, making it hard to have fun with what ends up being a tedious show. We meet Ritesh’s friends in the initial scenes, but their arcs are never properly developed.

The series aspires to capture the ache and angst of IIT aspirants and almost succeeds, but ultimately fails to capitalize fully on its theme.

**Rating: 2/5 stars**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/gagan-dev-riar-sonyliv-s-13th-review/story

entertainment, family-friendly, romance, series, television

‘Bridgerton’ S04 first poster: Benedict-Sophie’s story to arrive soon

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**‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 First Poster Revealed: Benedict and Sophie’s Story Coming Soon**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 30, 2025, 10:44 AM*

Netflix has unveiled the first official poster for the much-anticipated fourth season of *Bridgerton*. This upcoming season will center around Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and his romantic journey with Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha.

The new poster also confirms that *Bridgerton* Season 4 is set to premiere in 2026, giving fans something exciting to look forward to. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bridgerton-season-4-first-poster/story

entertainment, family-friendly, romance, series, television

‘Bridgerton’ S04 first poster: Benedict-Sophie’s story to arrive soon

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**’Bridgerton’ Season 4 First Poster Released: Benedict and Sophie’s Story Coming Soon**

Netflix has recently unveiled the first poster for the highly anticipated fourth season of *Bridgerton*.

This new season will center around Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, and his romantic journey with Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha.

The poster also confirms that *Bridgerton* Season 4 is set to premiere in 2026, much to the excitement of fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the beloved series.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bridgerton-season-4-first-poster/story

comedy, entertainment, music, television, theatre

A month to go until Mamma Mia arrives – new pictures of the cast in action

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The world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical is coming to Southampton for three weeks only, including half term, from October 24 to November 8.

Set on a Greek island paradise, this captivating story of love, friendship, and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.

Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now it’s back for another Southampton stint. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic!
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25494163.new-images-show-mamma-mia-cast-arriving-southampton-soon/?ref=rss

bollywood, celebrities, entertainment, series, television

Rajat Bedi promises ‘Bads…’ S02 will have more of him

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**Rajat Bedi Promises ‘Bads.’ Season 2 Will Feature More of Him**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 27, 2025, 05:24 PM*

Actor Rajat Bedi, who recently made a remarkable comeback after a long hiatus with the Netflix series *Bads. of Bollywood*, is overwhelmed by the positive response from audiences and critics alike. In the show, Bedi portrays Jaraj Saxena, a former star struggling to find work in the film industry — a character that closely mirrors his own real-life experiences of facing prolonged periods without roles.

**A Role Close to Home**

Speaking to PTI, Bedi expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m very grateful to the Khan family for considering me and getting me into the show.” His portrayal of Jaraj Saxena has resonated deeply with viewers, capturing the pain and resilience experienced by many in the entertainment world.

**Jaraj Saxena: A Fan Favorite Among the Khans**

Bedi revealed that his character is particularly loved by the Khan family, including Suhana Khan, Gauri Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. “I know they want to see more of me,” he shared. “And you will get to see more of Jaraj Saxena in Season Two. The writing is ongoing, and it will come with a bigger bang. It’s expected to release sometime next year, and it will be very exciting.”

**Resilience Paying Off**

Despite the challenges and setbacks in his career, Bedi’s patience and perseverance have begun to pay off. Since the premiere of *Bads. of Bollywood* on Netflix, his IMDb ranking has surged to ninth place among the most popular Indian stars.

“Life is looking beautiful,” Bedi remarked. “I’m excited that at least people will look at me optimistically, thinking I’ve done good work.”

Two years ago, Bedi made a significant move back to Mumbai from Canada with his family, a decision that has now started to bear fruit.

**Bringing Personal Pain to the Screen**

Bedi invested a piece of his own emotional journey into developing Jaraj Saxena’s character, which has struck a chord with many. He has received heartfelt appreciation from fellow actors including Harshvardhan Rane and Angad Bedi.

“People have connected to that pain, and have appreciated it,” he said, reflecting on the widespread empathy the role has generated.

**A Family Affair**

Adding a personal touch to the project, Bedi revealed that he agreed to join the show on one condition: that his son, Vivaan, would be involved as an assistant director. “The beauty was that Aryan had so much faith in me,” he added, highlighting the support and encouragement within his family.

With Season Two on the horizon, Rajat Bedi’s inspiring journey of resilience continues, promising audiences even more of his compelling presence on screen.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bads-of-bollywood-s02-will-have-more-of-rajat-bedi/story

entertainment, freedom of speech, media, politics, television

Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Set To Return On Air, But Still May Face Partial Boycott

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Despite ABC revoking Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, Nexstar and Sinclair have refused to air his show over concerns of “insensitivity” following his remarks about the MAGA movement.

A day after ABC lifted the suspension order on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, several local TV stations chose not to broadcast the program, citing its insensitivity. According to the BBC, Nexstar and Sinclair—which together operate dozens of ABC-affiliated stations—announced they would continue to replace the show with regular programming on Tuesday.

Sinclair’s vice-chairman, Jason Smith, stated, “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.”

The late-night talk show was abruptly pulled last week after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr and affiliate networks threatened ABC in response to Kimmel’s comments during a monologue about the MAGA movement’s reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination attempt.

This decision sparked a debate between supporters of former President Donald Trump’s administration and advocates of Kimmel regarding government interference and freedom of speech.

On Monday, over 400 artists—including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston—signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to express their support for Kimmel, CNN reported.

Following this, a spokesperson for the Walt Disney Company, ABC’s parent company, told CNN, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
https://www.news18.com/world/tv-stations-refuse-to-air-insensitive-kimmels-show-despite-abc-lifting-suspension-ws-l-9592556.html

american soccer, live streaming, soccer, sports, television

How to Watch LAFC vs Real Salt Lake: Live Stream MLS, TV Channel

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**LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake: How to Watch Sunday’s MLS Match**

LAFC and Real Salt Lake will face off on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The match will be nationally televised on FOX Sports 1, providing American soccer fans a rare chance to watch a live MLS game on free TV.

Most MLS matches are currently available exclusively through Apple TV, which requires a subscription. However, this game offers an excellent opportunity to catch top-level domestic soccer action without additional streaming services.

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### Match Details
– **Date:** Sunday, September 21, 2025
– **Time:** 9:00 p.m. ET
– **TV Channel:** FOX Sports 1
– **Streaming:** Available on Fubo (free trial available)

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### Current Standings & Team Form

**LAFC** is in fourth place in the Western Conference with 47 points from 28 matches. Their record includes 13 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses. The team has scored 53 goals while conceding only 36, resulting in a solid +17 goal differential.

Most recently, LAFC dominated Real Salt Lake in a 4-1 victory last Wednesday. Tottenham club legend Son Heung-min was the star of the show, netting a hat trick with goals in the 3rd, 16th, and 82nd minutes. Denis Bounga sealed the win with a goal in the 88th minute.

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### Real Salt Lake Overview

Real Salt Lake currently sits 12th in the Western Conference with 34 points from 29 matches. Their record stands at 10 wins, 4 draws, and 15 losses.

Compounding their challenges, Victor Olatunji received a red card in the 93rd minute during their previous match against LAFC, which means he will be suspended for this Sunday’s rematch.

Before the recent defeat, Real Salt Lake secured a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, with goals from Diego Luna and Alexandros Katranis.

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### How to Watch

Tune in to **FOX Sports 1** at 9:00 p.m. ET on Sunday night to catch all the action between LAFC and Real Salt Lake live.

Additionally, you can live stream the game on **Fubo**, which offers a free trial for new users. Simply start your subscription to watch the match live. Please note that regional restrictions may apply.

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*If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on this site, we may receive compensation.*
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/how-watch-lafc-vs-real-salt-lake-live-stream-mls-tv-channel-2133442