Streaming successes: What’s coming to your screens later this year 

Streaming successes: What’s coming to your screens later this year 
‘Squid Game’ season 3. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 June 2025
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Streaming successes: What’s coming to your screens later this year 

Streaming successes: What’s coming to your screens later this year 
  • From stressed-out cooks to foul-mouthed spymasters, the must-see shows still to come in 2025 

‘Squid Game’ season 3 

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon 

Where: Netflix  

When: June 27 

The final season of the South Korean survival thriller about a game show where the rewards are enormous but loss means death, Seong Gi-hun (or player 456, as you might know him) and his friends must fight for survival in ever-more fiendish challenges. The VIPs — the wealthy individuals who fund the games — return to the island once again, perhaps setting the stage for a vengeance-fueled finale and a showdown between the Front Man and his brother, police officer Jun-ho. 

‘Ironheart’ 

Starring: Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross 

Where: Disney+ 

When: June 25 

This Marvel miniseries is a spinoff from the “Black Panther” movie franchise and follows MIT student and genius inventor Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, who was responsible for creating the vibranium detector that sparked the events of 2022’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” in which she also invented an exoskeleton to rival that of Tony Stark/Ironman so that she could fight alongside the Wakandans. Now Williams has returned home to Chicago, where she meets Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, who is able to access dark magic, setting Williams on a “path of danger and adventure.”  

‘The Bear’ season 4 

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri 

Where: Disney+ 

When: June 26 

The first two seasons of the horribly tense kitchen-based drama “The Bear” were fantastic TV. The third? Not so much. (Although it should be said that even weak episodes of “The Bear” are still better than the vast majority of shows.) But hopefully season four finds super-talented chef Carmy Berzatto and his crew back on form as they try to make a success of the titular family restaurant which they’ve shifted from run-down sandwich shop to fine-dining venue. And after a wait of almost a year, we’ll finally get to find out what that all-important review said. 

‘Wednesday’ season 2  

Starring: Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman 

Where: Netflix  

When: August 6 

Wednesday Addams is back at Nevermore Academy for another year. And this time around, the rest of her spooky, kooky family will be spending a lot more time there, too — much to Wednesday’s chagrin — and not just because her brother Pugsley has enrolled. Co-showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar have promised a “darker, more complex” series. And at Netlix’s live Tudum event last month, it was announced that Lady Gaga will be guest starring as the “mysterious and enigmatic” Nevermore teacher Rosaline Rotwood. 

‘Slow Horses’ season 5 

Starring: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas 

Where: Apple+ TV 

When: Sept. 24 

Former British super-spy Jackson Lamb and his unfortunate crew of misfit spooks return for another series of this excellent, darkly humorous espionage drama. This time around, the trouble starts when Slough House’s resident tech nerd Roddy gets a glamorous new girlfriend, who everyone — or, at least, everyone except for Roddy — can see is well out of his league. The show is an adaptation of Mick Herron’s “Slough House” novels, and this season is based on “London Rules.” “Ted Lasso” star Nick Mohammed is perhaps the biggest new name to join the cast; he'll be playing an ambitious London mayoral candidate. 

‘Stranger Things’ season 5 

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown 

Where: Netflix 

When: November 26 

The final (really?) season of the phenomenally successful Eighties-set sci-fi horror drama has a lot to live up to. Once again, psychokinetic Eleven and her pals in Hawkins, Indiana, must fight to save the Earth from the alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. Since its arrival on our screens in 2016, “Stranger Things” has been one of the world’s most talked-about and beloved series. Showrunners The Duffer Brothers have got pretty much everything right so far. Can they stick the landing? 


Acclaimed British musician Paul Weller sues accountants that cut ties over his pro-Palestine views

Acclaimed British musician Paul Weller sues accountants that cut ties over his pro-Palestine views
Updated 20 August 2025
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Acclaimed British musician Paul Weller sues accountants that cut ties over his pro-Palestine views

Acclaimed British musician Paul Weller sues accountants that cut ties over his pro-Palestine views
  • Accounting firm Harris and Trotter ‘offended’ by his assertion that Israel is committing genocide
  • The Jam ex-frontman: ‘Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship — it’s complicity’

LONDON: British musician Paul Weller is suing his former accounting firm after it reportedly ended their business ties over his pro-Palestinian comments.

Harris and Trotter had a professional relationship with Weller spanning more than three decades, The Independent reported on Wednesday.

The acclaimed musician and former frontman of The Jam filed a discrimination claim over the accounting firm’s decision.

It followed public statements by Weller that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. He was told in March that Harris and Trotter would no longer work with him or his companies, his lawyers said in a pre-action letter.

A partner at the firm sent a WhatsApp message to Weller saying: “It’s well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide.

“Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.”

In ending its relationship with Weller, the firm illegally discriminated against his protected philosophical beliefs, his lawyers said.

Weller has publicly supported moves to recognize Palestine as a state. “I’ve always spoken out against injustice, whether it’s apartheid, ethnic cleansing or genocide. What’s happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe,” he said.

“I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them.

“That must be called out. Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship — it’s complicity.”

According to his lawyers, Weller will donate any received financial damages toward humanitarian campaigns in Gaza.

“I’m taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people,” he said.

The firm Hodge Jones and Allen is representing Weller. One of its lawyers, Cormac McDonough, said the case “reflects a wider pattern of attempts to silence artists and public figures who speak out in support of Palestinian rights.

“Within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalise those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza.”


Member of rap trio Kneecap out on bail on terror charge, calls lawsuit ‘distraction’

Member of rap trio Kneecap out on bail on terror charge, calls lawsuit ‘distraction’
Updated 20 August 2025
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Member of rap trio Kneecap out on bail on terror charge, calls lawsuit ‘distraction’

Member of rap trio Kneecap out on bail on terror charge, calls lawsuit ‘distraction’
  • O hAnnaidh says charge a ‘distraction,’ as lawyers try to throw it out
  • Judge will rule whether prosecution can continue on Sept. 26

LONDON: Hundreds of fans turned out to support a member of Irish rap group Kneecap on Wednesday at a London court as he sought to throw out a terrorism charge for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who was initially charged under the Anglicised name Liam O’Hanna and whose stage name is Mo Chara, is alleged to have waved the yellow flag of Hezbollah during a Kneecap gig in London on Nov. 21, 2024.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32)

 

O hAnnaidh is accused of holding up the flag on stage while saying “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Kneecap have said the flag was thrown on stage during their performance.

The 27-year-old was charged in May under the Terrorism Act, which makes it a criminal offence to display an article in a way which arouses reasonable suspicion that someone is a supporter of a proscribed organization.

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O hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday wearing the keffiyeh scarf associated with the Palestinian cause and had to fight his way through a scrum of photographers to get inside the building.

He sat alongside an Irish language interpreter during the hearing and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain, stage name Moglai Bap, and J.J. O Dochartaigh, who goes by DJ Provao, were also in court, with supporters filling the public gallery.

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Irish music was played outside the court throughout the hearing, with many supporters waving Irish and Palestinian flags while others held placards reading “Free Mo Chara.”

O hAnnaidh’s lawyers say the charge was brought too late and the prosecution case should be thrown out, as O hAnnaidh was formally charged on May 22 this year, one day after the six-month limit for such charges.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, however, argued that O hAnnaidh was charged on May 21, within the time limit. Judge Paul Goldspring said he would give a decision on Sept. 26.

O hAnnaidh left the court to cheers from supporters, telling the crowd the charge against him was “a distraction from the real story” of Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.

Belfast-based Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English and regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, previously said the charge was an attempt to silence them.

The group — who rap about Irish identity and support the republican cause of uniting Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland — have been increasingly vocal about the war in Gaza since O hAnnaidh was charged.


Beast House: Where music and musicians tune and vibe 

Beast House: Where music and musicians tune and vibe 
Updated 20 August 2025
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Beast House: Where music and musicians tune and vibe 

Beast House: Where music and musicians tune and vibe 
  • Space provides a year-round platform for talent development, networking, and cultural exchange
  • Since the launch of Soundstorm in 2019, the Kingdom’s flagship music festival, the local industry has grown at a pace that demanded more permanent creative spaces

RIYADH: In the heart of Riyadh’s JAX District, Beast House has emerged as one of the Kingdom’s most dynamic creative hubs — a space where musicians, producers, designers, and artists come together to collaborate, connect, and grow.

Located in Diriyah’s J12, Beast House is more than just a music venue. It serves as a meeting point for Saudi and international talent, blending entertainment, culture, and community into one destination. 

Whether through workshops, live performances, or casual gatherings, the space provides a platform for creative expression that reflects the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving cultural scene.

German DJ, producer, and label founder David Galla first encountered Beast House during a visit to Riyadh and was immediately struck by the atmosphere.

“I visited in April, toured the studios, and knew instantly this was a place I wanted to be,” he said. “The team, the vibe, the creativity — it’s all very inspiring. Saudi Arabia has something special here, and the people are so welcoming.”

Among the local talents who have found a home at Beast House is Rayan Charani, a 17-year-old Lebanese producer and singer who was born and raised in Riyadh. 

Passionate about pop and electronic music, Charani said the community spirit is what makes the space unique.

“The equipment is great, but it’s really the people that make me want to come back,” he said. “There’s so much love here. It’s a place that inspires me every day.”

Charani’s journey with Beast House began after attending XP Music Futures, MDLBEAST’s annual conference.

Introduced to the venue through industry connections, he soon became part of its creative family. “Beast House showed me that music is not only about sound, but also about community,” he added.

Beyond its studios, Beast House also features a fine-dining restaurant and social spaces designed to foster interaction. 

Visitors can expect everything from intimate conversations over mocktails to exclusive performances, panel discussions, and workshops led by industry figures.

The venue is an extension of MDLBEAST’s mission to build a thriving music ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. 

Since the launch of Soundstorm in 2019, the Kingdom’s flagship music festival, the local industry has grown at a pace that demanded more permanent creative spaces. 

Beast House was created to meet that need — providing a year-round platform for talent development, networking, and cultural exchange.

During Arab News’ visit, it was clear that Beast House was not only a workspace but an experience in itself. 

The team has successfully created and curated an atmosphere where ambiance, decor, community, and people come together to offer something unique. 

Entry is not limited to members alone — visitors can also spend time working in the space, socializing, or simply enjoying its fine-dining offerings without accessing the studios.

Today, Beast House is seen as a symbol of the Kingdom’s cultural transformation, offering opportunities for the next generation of artists while also attracting global talent to Riyadh. It is not just a venue, but a statement of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to cement its place on the world’s creative map. 


Locals celebrate World Photography Day

Locals celebrate World Photography Day
Updated 20 August 2025
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Locals celebrate World Photography Day

Locals celebrate World Photography Day
  • Jeddah exhibition captures wide range of artistic perspectives
  • Pictures put spotlight on less frequented parts of Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Rakaez Photography Club on Tuesday marked World Photography Day with a spectacular exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah, attracting enthusiasts to view a diverse collection of photographic artistry.

Some 30 photographers displayed their best work at the exhibition, capturing a range of diverse perspectives.

Turki Al-Jadaani, a photographer and one of the founders of the club, said that the exhibition “celebrates the art of photography as a medium of storytelling, creativity and visual culture.”

He added: “For us as photographers, it’s a very significant day. We have invited members of our club and local renowned photographers to a one-day photography exhibition to show their creative photos captured by their lens.”

He told Arab News that the club was a platform committed to supporting art and artists from all walks of life.

“We take great pride in our association with initiatives such as today’s event, as well as workshops we offer,” Al-Jadaani said.

Local photographers and enthusiasts viewed the exhibition, which documented people, landscapes and culture while showcasing the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

The highlights were pictures from the less frequented parts of Saudi Arabia, and included wildlife, travel shots and portraiture.

The event fostered community engagement, with some attendees posing for spontaneous portraits and videos, adding a lively dimension to the exhibition.

Tarik Khoja, the official photographer for Saudia, said: “World Photography Day is a chance to capture moments that might otherwise fade, encouraging young photographers to pursue their craft with passion and responsibility.

“It’s a day to appreciate how photography shapes communication, storytelling and documentation.

“We invited photographers to share their most treasured images, highlighting the emotional power of photography.

“On this special day we express ourselves and our art through our lenses.”

He added that the club’s initiative provided an interactive platform for members to exchange ideas, learn techniques, and connect with the community, strengthening the local photography ecosystem.

Roaa Mansori, a passionate photographer who was attending the event, highlighted how pictures preserved cherished memories and happiness.

She told Arab News: “It is a special day and we are excited to share our favorite photos.”


Veronika Berezina: Building bridges through art in Dubai and Paris

Veronika Berezina: Building bridges through art in Dubai and Paris
Updated 20 August 2025
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Veronika Berezina: Building bridges through art in Dubai and Paris

Veronika Berezina: Building bridges through art in Dubai and Paris

JEDDAH: Veronika Berezina, who was born in St. Petersburg and trained as a lawyer, spent more than a decade balancing her legal career with a growing passion for contemporary art.

“I realised contemporary art offered something my legal career could not — a space for engaging with the pressing questions of our time in creative and philosophical ways,” she told Arab News. What began as private collecting soon became a public mission.

In March 2023, she opened NIKA Project Space in Dubai, “a space where audiences, artists, and curators could meet, exchange, and challenge each other openly.”

A second location followed in Paris’s Komunuma art district in September 2024, creating what Berezina calls “a bridge between European and Global South perspectives.”

NIKA champions artists and curators from underrepresented geographies, with a focus on experimental and research-driven practice. Its residencies, publishing projects, and exhibitions are intertwined.

“Residencies allow artists to immerse themselves in a place, research deepens the conceptual framework, and publishing ensures the ideas travel further,” Berezina said. This summer’s Open Studios in Dubai, featuring Yasmine Al-Awa, Ahed Al-Kathiri, and Zahra Jewanjee, led to “Rooted Echoes,” an exhibition exploring memory, cultural inheritance, and ecology.

Her curatorial ethos is shaped by her cross-cultural life. “Growing up in St. Petersburg gave me an early appreciation for the arts, while working internationally taught me adaptability and empathy.”

She prioritises artists from the Global South and female voices, aiming to “address a long-standing imbalance in the global art narrative.”

For Berezina, success is not simply about sales. “If an exhibition shifts perceptions, sparks conversation, or helps an artist reach a new stage in their career, that is success.”

She balances commercial viability with conceptual integrity by cultivating a collector base “who value intellectual depth as much as aesthetics.”

Running two spaces across different cultural contexts brings challenges, especially as a woman leader.

“Gender should never determine vision or talent, yet opportunities have not always been equally accessible,” she said. “These challenges have reinforced my conviction to create spaces that amplify underrepresented voices.”

Her advice to women entering the art world is straightforward: “Be clear in your vision, learn every facet of the business, and build a network of allies. Authenticity is your greatest asset.”

Berezina’s journey, from the law offices of St. Petersburg to the art hubs of Dubai and Paris, is anchored by one belief: art is not just to be seen, but to be lived, discussed, and used to connect worlds.